The Future of Old TraffordThe next phase begins — we need your voice Dear [[FIRST_NAME]], Few decisions in Manchester United's history will have a greater impact than the future of Old Trafford. Manchester United has confirmed the proposed location for a new 100,000-seat stadium, approximately 350 metres north-west of the current Old Trafford, as part of the wider Trafford Wharfside regeneration project. Today's announcement is not the end of the conversation. In many ways, it is where the most important discussions begin. |
The club has confirmed that supporter consultation will continue as the project moves into the next phase. MUST welcomes that — but we believe consultation should not simply continue. It should intensify. As plans become more detailed, supporters need genuine opportunities to influence them before key decisions are taken. Why independent consultation mattersSupporters must have the opportunity to express their views not only through consultation organised by or on behalf of the club, but also through an independent, supporter-led process. That is where MUST has an important role to play. Over the past few months we have consulted thousands of supporters on the future of Old Trafford and the wider regeneration project. Next week we will present the findings from our latest survey, responded to by more than 3,200 supporters, directly to the club. We will also publish the full report for members so everyone can see exactly what supporters have told us. Our objective is simple: to ensure supporters' views genuinely influence decisions before they are made, not simply react to them afterwards. This is about more than choosing between two stadiumsThis is one of the most significant and emotive issues Manchester United supporters have faced in generations. Many supporters hold very strong views that Old Trafford should be preserved and redeveloped rather than replaced. Others believe that a new stadium offers the best opportunity to secure Manchester United's long-term future. Both perspectives are sincerely and passionately held. Our consultation suggests that while supporters are divided on the principle of redevelopment versus a new stadium, many have not reached a final view. For a significant proportion of supporters, their eventual support or opposition will depend on the decisions now made as the project develops. The issues supporters want addressedAffordability Keeping football accessible for ordinary supporters. | Atmosphere Protecting the supporter culture that makes Old Trafford unique. | Funding Understanding the balance between debt, equity and other funding options. | Fan ownership Considering whether supporters should be able to invest through fan shares. | No PSLs in GA areas Avoiding Personal Seat Licences in general admission and season ticket areas. | Heritage and identity Respecting the club's history, traditions and matchday identity. |
These issues could all influence how supporters ultimately judge the project. That is precisely why continued consultation matters. The choices made now may prove just as important to supporters as the location of the stadium itself. MUST's role is to represent supporters - not tell them what to thinkIndividual members of the MUST Board and Committee, like all supporters, have their own personal views on the future of Old Trafford. Those views are not what MUST represents. Our job is to inform, consult and represent supporters — not to tell them what to think. We will continue to gather evidence from the widest possible range of fans, with particular focus on match-going supporters who will be most directly affected by these decisions. Now we need to hear from even more supportersWhether your priorities are affordability, atmosphere, accessibility, transport, heritage, funding, fan ownership, the future of the existing Old Trafford or any other aspect of the project, we want to hear from you. The broader the range of supporters we hear from, the stronger and more representative the voice we can take into discussions with the club. | Know a United supporter who isn't yet a MUST member?
Please forward them this email and encourage them to sign up for a FREE MUST Lite membership here:
imust.org.uk/join |
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