'World-class' - Manchester United give Old Trafford update as exciting next step revealed

Manchester United will host several fan focus groups this month to gauge views on the future of Old Trafford.

United sent a survey to supporters in an email in mid-September 'to ensure the views of its fans are at the heart of plans for the future of Old Trafford and the regeneration of the area.'

The survey was the first step in the fan consultation phase of the Old Trafford regeneration project as feasibility work progresses following the creation of the task force in February. That has been considering all options but is understood to have agreed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's assessment that a new build would be the best option.

The task force will share their official verdict at the end of the year but will consider the fan consultation findings before reaching a conclusion. United wanted thousands of fans to respond to the survey so they could 'capture all their views and understand what supporters want from a world-class stadium in the future'.

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It's been a month since the Old Trafford survey was received by supporters and a detailed update has now been given on the fan consultation process. Speaking at the latest fans' forum, United's chief operating officer, Collette Roche, explained: "Work is well under way on the £50million upgrade to the main building at Carrington and consultations are continuing on the various options for the future of Old Trafford.

"That might turn out to be a new build or redevelopment, but in either scenario, we want to ensure that Manchester United fans can enjoy watching their team play in a world-class stadium at the heart of a vibrant, regenerated community.

"Whichever path we end up taking, we need to bring fans with us, and you’ll hear more from Rick shortly on how we are doing that through our fan consultation."

United's director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh, continued: "Work is well under way for the first phase of fan consultation on the Old Trafford regeneration project.

"We had a huge response to the fan survey and are currently working through the data to pull out the key insights and to look at differences and similarities between different groups of fans.

"We were delighted to work with the University of Manchester Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research to ensure questions were asked in the correct way and that our approach to the consultation met industry best practice. We thank them for their support.

"The week after next we start the qualitative stage of the research with a series of fan focus groups. These sessions, which will be attended by fan representatives including people from this forum, will help us to further understand fans' views on important topics such as accessibility, affordability, heritage, atmosphere, women’s team and matchday experience.

"We will then facilitate town hall-style sessions at Old Trafford in November to give more fans a chance to share their views, be listened to and have their questions answered.

"The findings from our first fan consultation will then be shared with the task force ahead of their recommendation report to the owners. Once we have a decision on the next steps, there will be several more stages of fan consultation ensuring all fans have the chance to contribute to the regeneration project."

Tottenham Hotspur's stadium is best-in-class in the Premier League and has been touted as an example but Spurs now have some of the most expensive tickets in the country. Season ticket prices at Old Trafford were increased for the first time in 11 years last season but they remained well-priced and competitive.

There are fears United will bump up their season ticket prices at a new Old Trafford, an issue which was raised at the fans' forum. Roche replied by saying the club was undertaking feasibility studies across all areas and no decision around pricing has yet been made. Roche also reassured fans they would continue to be consulted throughout the regeneration project.