Manchester United: Fans tell of hopes and fears for new stadium

Manchester United’s plans for a new £2bn stadium have been welcomed as “epic” and “a showstopper” by fans, but some local residents have voiced concerns about parking capacity.

The club earlier announced the ambitious scheme to build the biggest stadium in the UK with a 100,000 capacity close to its current home of Old Trafford.

It will form part of a wider regeneration of the area, creating 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and attracting some 1.8m visitors annually.

But how have nearby residents received the news, as well as businesses and supporters?

Amelia, who lives near Old Trafford on Chester Road, said she was impressed.

The driving instructor told BBC Radio Manchester: “It’s beautiful. I think it looks really nice and I think it’ll improve the area.

“Trafford could really benefit from some money being put into it to make the area better.”

However, she said she was worried the influx of people and visitors could exacerbate parking issues – but welcomed the prospect of rising house prices if the area becomes an increasingly popular place to live.

“The council definitely need to think about parking and how that is going to affect the residents.

“I think it’ll make property prices go up a lot.”

The 22-year-old continued: “The other day there was a United match and the police closed the whole road.

“So I think they should definitely think about making streets residential parking-only and really put the residents first.”

The BBC has contacted Trafford Council for a comment.

Reds fan Ian said the new stadium will be a “showstopper”.

The 46-year-old said it was “fantastic news” for the club, adding: “It’s glamorous. It’s a big improvement and badly needed.”

He said he hoped it would bring a “bit of hope for change” on the pitch too, as the underperforming club currently sit 14th in the Premier League.

Lanre, who is from Nigeria, thinks the plans are “epic” and have the “wow” factor.

“I’ve been a Manchester United fan all my life,” the 49-year-old said.

“They’re wonderful. This is going to be great.”

Another fan, Joao, was less impressed with the plans because he will miss United’s traditional home.

The 19-year-old said he is “not really excited” because the current stadium – where the club have played since 1910 – was “historic” and has “so many memories”.

“I know it means a lot to the club but history-wise it is really hard to compete with Old Trafford,” he said.

Hotel Football, which was co-founded by former Red Devils star Gary Neville, sits adjacent to Old Trafford.

Director of sales & marketing Jessica Southworth said the news will be a “welcome boost” to the area, fans and the team.

“We know how much excitement and interest these plans will generate within the community and among visitors from around the world,” she said.

As a “proud neighbour”, the hotel would “stand ready to support Manchester United in any way we can as these exciting plans take shape”, she added.

Other fans commenting at BBC Sport have been more critical of the project particularly after a spate of staff redundancies at the club.

One pointed out the club had “made close to 500 staff redundant in less than one year” and “now they want to build a new £2b stadium”.

They added: “Is there a more laughable joke?”

Another supporter, posting under the pseudonym Clarissa McPigeon, said: “They are broke and badly underperforming as a team.

“This work isn’t necessary.”