Pesky rodents, overflowing toilets, and a leaky roof – these are just some of the contenders for the keys to Old Trafford. The iconic home of Manchester United, with its 113-year-old history, presents a paradoxical picture. On one hand, it serves as a citadel where 73,511 supporters live vicariously through their heroes. On the other hand, it showcases signs of aging and fallibility. With sepiatoned reminders of former glories, ageing facades, cramped concourses, and dodgy phone reception, Old Trafford’s decay mirrors the stagnation experienced by the club in the post-Ferguson era. As rivals update their stadiums or move to new ones, the Glazer family, the current owners, must acknowledge that merely applying a fresh coat of paint won’t be enough to revive the spirit of this hallowed ground.
“It’s embarrassing walking in here and seeing rust and roofs leaking. It feels small-time,” said Alwyn Robson, a 45-year-old United fan, before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham. While Old Trafford still possesses a certain charm due to its age, it has fallen far behind modern standards. Fans feel disappointed by the subpar food and beer offerings, as well as the limited space inside the stadium. To secure a lukewarm pie, supporters must leave their seats five to ten minutes before halftime, a situation that doesn’t befit a club of United’s stature.
Approaching the stadium along Sir Matt Busby Way, fans encounter an intoxicating mix of burger vans, fried onions, and anticipation. Yet, as Alwyn rightly pointed out, the provisions for fans in that stretch of road leading to the ground are minimal, comprising only six fast food vans and a few independent scarf sellers. Moreover, the concourse outside the stadium displays replica trophies from the club’s 1999 Treble-winning season. While these trophies evoke nostalgia, they also highlight Old Trafford’s inability to move forward and keep pace with modern developments.
The N46 entrance to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand feels dark and dingy, and the faded red seat 115 on row AA reflects the club’s relative downturn in the past decade. Legroom is at a premium, and phone signal is almost non-existent at times. Even the narrow electronic strip scoreboard positioned above the tunnel feels outdated. “It isn’t fit for purpose anymore,” says James Young, who sells the fanzine United We Stand. He believes that compared to more modern stadiums, Old Trafford is a mess and hasn’t kept up with the times.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, potential owners of Manchester United, are willing to spend billions to acquire the club and recognize the need to renovate Old Trafford. The Glazer family must decide whether to invest in revitalizing the grand cathedral of football, the largest football club ground in the United Kingdom, or make the emotional decision to relocate and build a new stadium, possibly named New Trafford. The idea of tearing down this sacred place might be seen as heresy by some, but others see it as an opportunity.
Jason Kouffor, an electrician from Didsbury who has been attending Old Trafford since he was six years old, was initially against the idea of a new stadium. However, he now believes that a larger 100,000-seater stadium, with better food and a grander fan experience, could be beneficial. He cites Tottenham’s modern stadium as an aspiration for Manchester United, suggesting that it should aim to be even bigger and better.
At halftime, the cramped concourse behind the stand leaves much to be desired. The limited space offers few options, particularly if Carling beer is not to one’s taste. Pandora Bletchley, attending her first game at Old Trafford, describes the stadium as massive and impressive, but also dated. The grotty concourse fails to create a slick and enjoyable experience for fans.
Sheikh Jassim’s representatives and Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently visited Old Trafford. Estimates suggest that it will cost over £1 billion to bring the stadium into the 21st century. The Quadrants, completed in 2006 prior to the Glazer takeover, are a testament to the club’s investment in infrastructure. However, the surrounding area still requires significant development. United has made commendable efforts to improve disabled facilities, investing £12 million in a purpose-built concourse at the back of the Stretford End, which accommodates 278 wheelchair positions and 278 dedicated amenity seats across the stadium.
Old Trafford stands as an impressive and almost intimidating sight on the Manchester skyline. The club-owned land surrounding the stadium provides ample opportunity for immersive fan experiences. However, transforming the stadium to meet modern standards will come at a considerable cost. For instance, the disused derelict building behind the Trafford pub on Chester Road remains an eyesore that needs attention.
In 2015, United faced criticism from the council for failing to control a mouse infestation adequately. Although there were no furry interlopers in the Fergie stand on Sunday, the presence of a can of Raid suggests that preventive measures are in place. Interestingly, fans on the packed tram ride back to town after the game caught up on key events from Old Trafford via TikTok. This highlights the changing preferences of fans, who now seek alternative platforms for match updates. The days of reading The Pink, a printed match report with pictures, are long gone.
Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have the opportunity to reshape the future of Old Trafford. With a potential investment of billions of pounds, they can renovate and rejuvenate this historic stadium or consider the emotional decision to build a new home for Manchester United. As the club’s faithful supporters embrace modernity, Old Trafford must shed its dated image and evolve into a stadium that embodies the grandeur and ambition of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.
