In the midst of the crisis, how much will it cost Manchester United to build Old Trafford

Manchester United is poised to make a monumental decision that could reshape the club's future: whether to demolish the iconic Old Trafford and construct a new, state-of-the-art stadium. This ambitious project, estimated to cost a staggering $2.5 billion, has sparked intense debate among fans, pundits, and the club's hierarchy.

The proposal, spearheaded by club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, envisions a "Northern Wembley" that would significantly increase the club's capacity to 100,000 spectators, surpassing even Barcelona's Camp Nou. The move comes amid growing concerns over the condition of the current Old Trafford, which has been criticized for its aging infrastructure and lack of modern amenities.

Initial plans had suggested a scaled-down version of Old Trafford, with a reduced capacity to accommodate the women's and youth teams. However, these proposals have been scrapped as the club believes a more ambitious approach is necessary to keep pace with its rivals and capitalize on the growing global popularity of football.

"We're looking at a complete rebuild," a source close to the club told The Daily Mail. "The idea of a reduced-capacity Old Trafford has been shelved. We believe that a new, world-class stadium is the best way to take the club forward."

The potential cost of such a project is enormous, but club officials believe it is a necessary investment to secure the club's long-term future. The new stadium would not only generate additional revenue through increased matchday income, but it would also serve as a major tourist attraction for the city of Manchester.

However, the decision to demolish Old Trafford is not without its risks. The stadium has been a symbol of the club for over a century and holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Critics argue that the new stadium would lack the history and character of the old one, and that the club should focus on renovating the existing structure instead.

"Old Trafford is more than just a stadium, it's a cathedral of football," said former Manchester United defender Gary Neville. "Tearing it down would be a betrayal of the club's history."

Despite these concerns, the club is pressing ahead with its plans. A final decision is expected to be made in the coming months, and the football world will be watching closely to see if Manchester United takes this bold step.

• Manchester United is considering demolishing Old Trafford to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium.
• The project is estimated to cost $2.5 billion.
• The decision is driven by the need for a modern, larger stadium to compete with other top clubs.
• Initial plans for a reduced-capacity Old Trafford have been abandoned.
• The move is controversial, with fans divided over the idea of demolishing a historic stadium.