'Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me' says Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson believes it is the right time to leave Old Trafford and build a new 100,000-seat stadium, urging the club to “seize the opportunity”.

The announcement of the new stadium project, estimated to cost £2 billion, was made on Tuesday marking a significant shift for the club, which has called Old Trafford home for 115 years.

Ferguson, who managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 and oversaw an era of unprecedented success, acknowledged the emotional weight of leaving Old Trafford, a venue steeped in history and personal significance for him.

“Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally,” he said, reflecting on the countless victories, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs, achieved during his tenure. Despite this attachment, he emphasized the necessity of progress, stating, “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in.”

The new stadium, designed by architects Foster + Partners, is set to become the largest football stadium in the United Kingdom, surpassing Wembley’s current capacity. It will feature an innovative “umbrella” design and include a new public plaza described as “twice the size” of Trafalgar Square, aiming to create a modern, world-class facility.

Ferguson expressed enthusiasm for the project, adding, “We must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.” His comments underscore a belief that the move is essential for United to remain competitive, both commercially and on the pitch, in an era where top clubs rely heavily on state-of-the-art infrastructure to boost revenue streams.

The decision to relocate comes amid broader changes at the club under the influence of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has taken control of football operations. Ratcliffe has highlighted the limitations of the current Old Trafford, stating, “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.”

The new stadium, expected to be completed within the next five years, is part of a larger regeneration effort in southern Manchester, with ambitions to create a global landmark akin to iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower, potentially drawing millions of visitors annually.

Ferguson’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his status as the most successful manager in the club’s history. His support signals a willingness to embrace change, even as it means leaving behind a venue synonymous with United’s golden era, in pursuit of a future that aligns with the club’s lofty ambitions.