Manchester United are reportedly considering knocking down Old Trafford and building a new stadium on the same site as their iconic ground.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910 and remains one of the most famous stadiums in world football.
However, it has fallen into a state of decline in recent years and its facilities are now considered inferior when compared to newer grounds in the Premier League, such as the Tottenham’s state-of-the-art stadium in north London.
United are now considering three options to revitalise the 'Theatre Of Dreams', including a controversial plan to demolish the stadium and reconstruct a new one, according to the Daily Mail.
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As well as the plan to knock the stadium down, United are considering rebuilding Old Trafford’s South Stand up and over the railway line that runs behind it.
Meanwhile, a third option is to leave the stadium structurally intact but conduct a comprehensive revamp of spectator and corporate areas in all four stands.
According to the report, the plan to redevelop the South Stand is preferred by the club’s owners, the Glazers, and is also likely to be the most popular option with supporters.
It would also see Old Trafford’s capacity increase from 74,000 to more than 80,000.
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The proposal to demolish the stadium could prove problematic, as United would need to find a temporary home while their new ground is being constructed.
While London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham played games at Wembley while their new grounds were being built, there is no obvious option for United in the north west of England.
No club outside of the Premier League has a stadium big enough to accommodate the Red Devils, while ground sharing with rivals Manchester City is not an option.
United have promised to consult fans throughout the process and the club's chief operating officer, Collette Roche, discussed the future of Old Trafford with supporters last month.
“We have been assessing the capabilities of globally leading consultants who want to help us develop a masterplan for the modernisation of Old Trafford, with the ultimate aim of improving the matchday experience for fans,” she said.
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“We are hoping to appoint our preferred partners in the coming weeks; following this, we will be able to formally kick off phase one of the project, which will be focused on establishing the vision and objectives for the masterplan.”
United’s owners have faced repeated calls to bring the stadium up to standard after years of neglect.
In the midst of the protests against the failed European Super League project last year, former United defender Gary Neville hit out at the Glazers for a lack of investment.
“You look at the club now, this stadium I know it looks great here (on TV) but if you go behind the scenes it's rusty and rotting,” Neville said.
“The training ground is probably not even top five in this country, they haven't got to a Champions League semi-final in 10 years and we haven't won a league here for eight years.
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“The land around the ground is undeveloped, dormant and derelict, while every other club seems to be developing the facilities and the fan experiences.
“The Glazer family are struggling to meet the financial requirements, and the fans are saying enough is enough.”
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Football