Although Red Devils are not impressing on form, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying around 28% of the Manchester club's rights, the subject of redevelopment is back on the agenda. Will a significant infrastructure project help the local residents?

Not just stadium

In February 2024, Manchester United, along with local authority Trafford Council, explored a project that would develop the Trafford Wharfside area. A plan that would see up to 5,000 homes built over the next 15 years and an upgrade of public transport.

However, it is not clear who would fund the project and United authorities are looking at various options, including using public money to build a stadium, houses and infrastructure. According to calculations by Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, an expansion to the existing Old Trafford would cost around £1bn and building a new stadium could double the price.

Local business owners have doubts

There are small businesses on Sir Matt Busby Way that offer to buy unofficial club memorabilia, such as a scarf, or the numerous English pubs through which income is driven by fans who visit Manchester on match days. Angelo Agathaggelos has owned the Red Star Sports Souvenirs shop for 33 years. ‘Without United we wouldn't be here and that applies to everyone else’ - Agathaggelos says.

‘If they moved the whole site to another location it would be a killer for us, but if they just redevelop or a new stadium is built right behind it, that's fine. That can only increase the value of things and attract more fans,‘ he added. ‘I would prefer them to refurbish the existing Old Trafford, which is the Theatre of Dreams’ - Says Bobby, co-owner of United Cafe Bar and Off Licence.

© Jose Francisco del Valle Mojica (cc: by)

Completely different view of the local people

Even at times when no matches are taking place in the area, there is still something going on around Old Trafford. Taking photos, making videos or crowding into Manchester United's official shop generates hustle and bustle that locals complain about. Despite this, they add that they have become accustomed to being around the railway tracks, because if high volumes exist, they are short-lived.

In addition, the local community recalled that there had been a problem in the past with the exhaust vents, which, according to them, remained on for days at a time, causing high noise levels. Reaching out to the club authorities to complain was very difficult. ‘The club's way of solving the problem was to donate Alexis Sanchez's shirt. In their mind the matter was resolved’ - added Cavanagh, a local resident.

© Felipe Gálvez

In December 2022. Trafford Council launched a survey to look at the impact of events at Old Trafford on the local community. The survey closed on 10 February 2023 and almost all the responses were from people living around the stadium. When asked what problems the events at Old Trafford caused for local residents, 87% chose inconveniences in travelling by car in the area and 70% chose illegal parking. Nearly half of those surveyed said they find it difficult to live their daily lives when Manchester United plays at home, while only 6% indicated that they see no difference in the quality of life when there is a match. Which way will the Red Devils' authorities go and which option is more beneficial to implement?