Football: Manchester United fans critical of new stadium plans

The unveiling of plans for United's new stadium has been met with positivity in some areas. 

Several matchgoing fans have voiced their displeasure at the announcement. 

Author - Liam C

Once building has started, it is expected to take five years to complete. This would mean that the 2030/2031 would probably be the last season to be played at Old Trafford if the project goes ahead. 

The harshest critics of the plans have said that, at a time when Manchester United are having to make significant cutbacks, this feels massively inappropriate. 

Other fans have been more concerned that more of the club's will soon be lost with a new stadium. 

Click to read more about this recent announcement 

What are United fans saying then?

It is always difficult trying to represent the views of Man United fans on topics such as this one. There's inevitably going to be many different voices. 

Olivia T, regular contributor for Manchester Super News and European Super Football said: "The impending demolition of the most iconic club stadium in English football, feels like yet another chapter in the gradual loss of our rich heritage While far from perfect, largely due to years of neglect under the Glazers, Old Trafford remains a sacred place for Manchester United fans.

"It is a fortress filled with unforgettable memories. Generations of supporters have stood, and later sat, in the Stretford End, witnessing the brilliance of Best, Law, and Charlton, the magic of Cantona, and the raw energy of Rooney."

JP had similarly thoughts on the situation, adding: Being a Manchester United fan in recent years has been a test of endurance. "Supporting a club that feels increasingly distant has become an exhausting task, yet walking away is never really an option. Football loyalties are ingrained from an early age, shaped by moments that make the sport so compelling. However you first fell in love with United, that connection is almost impossible to break.

"The prospect of a new stadium feels like the beginning of the end. Old Trafford is more than just bricks and mortar; it holds the memories and emotions of generations of supporters. Even if the new ground is built just a few yards away, it will never quite be the same."

KStandBarmyArmy1993 posted this on the popular Red Cafe forum: The new ground and surrounding area will be a theme park for tourists and corporates. The food outlets and bars sound great now, but in reality, they'll be be really expensive. 

The inside of the ground actually looks decent, but the atmosphere will depend on who’s inside. The people who have tried (often in vain, against overzealous stewarding and shoddy ticketing policies) to create an atmosphere will be pushed aside. Because (even though the club says otherwise), its priority (as it probably has been since the late '90s) isn’t those slightly flawed characters who still make Old Trafford an interesting place to go."

Sophie T added: "It looks like a circus tent from the outside. That's probably apt considering some of the clowns that have been running the club in recent years."

The announcement comes at a time of more protests

Before Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal, almost 5,000 fans attended a protest against the current ownership of the club. 

The mood around Old Trafford remains deeply fractious with many fans not convinced by many of the decisions made by Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. It will take a few weeks and months before we get a complete consensus over fan views on this proposed new stadium."