Unlock free Digest editor
Roula Khalaf, editor of FT, chooses her favorite story in this weekly newsletter.
Manchester United announced plans for the construction of a stadium of 100,000 seats as a “central place” of a large regeneration project, while minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe pressed with his efforts to rewlek the club from top to DNA.
New soil, designed by architects in Foster + Partners, would be the largest stadium in the UK and among the largest in the world. It would be built on the ground near the current Old Trafford stadium of 74,000 seats, which would collapse after the end of the place.
Designs contain a canopy that will collect rainwater and solar energy, and will suspend three spies of 200 meters-on the Red Devil at the United Club-which will be visible from a distance of 40 km.
Speaking in London to discover the concept, Ratcliffe promised “the most famous, most recognizable stadium in the world” and compared it to the Eiffel tower in his potential to attract visitors from all over the world.
The modular construction plan includes the construction of large parts of the stadium outside the place-Potentially abroad-which would then float the canal. Architect Sir Norman Foster said the procedure could reduce the total construction time in half for about five years.
Experts in the industry said the construction of a new stadium is likely to cost more than £ 2 billion. Omar Berrada, United Executive Director, said it was too early to speculate that the construction would be funded. “They are still very early days right now. We’ll look at all the possibilities, “he said.
United He said that the regeneration of the Trafford area in the southwest of the city of Manchester could deliver 17,000 new homes and have the potential to create 92,000 jobs.
To timing, Ratcliffe He said he would now depend on “how fast the government is moving with his regeneration program” for the surrounding area.
The demolition will be emotional for fans. Sir Bobby Charlton, winner of the 1966 World Cup with England, once called Old Trafford the Theater of Dreams. It is also known as Busby Babes and Fergie’s Fredglings home, dominant teams under two of the most successful club manager Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Old Trafford, United’s home for over 100 years, is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, but the last big works were almost 20 years ago in 2006, when United increased the capacity by several thousand places.
Rival clubs have recently invested in new facilities, such as the renovated Santiago Bernabéu Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. Ratcliffe said that Old Trafford “served us brilliantly,” but “lagging behind the best areas in world sports.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of the Great Manchester, said: “Manchester United could, and indeed, should have the best football stadium in the world.”
Ratcliffe, who earned a 29 percent stake in United last year, was at an aggressive stimulus to reduce costs to stop the years of losses and create a budget for investing in players.
Hundreds of staff have become superfluous, while many employees – like free lunches and travel to matches – removed.
Tickets for the concession for children and retirees were also rejected, which encouraged the protests of fans.
On the ground, the male team is fighting and currently sits 14th in the Premier League table, while financial losses are increasing. Decision yes Replace former first team manager Erik Ten Hag At the end of last year, the club will cost £ 21m.
