Man Utd owners the Glazers nearly made shock Old Trafford decision | Football | Sport
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Manchester United owners the Glazers nearly rebuilt Old Trafford upon taking over in 2005, reports say. The Americans are polarised figures among supporters and have been for the past 15 years. Despite that, though, they’re very much determined to stay at the club and make them the superpower they were during Sir Alex Ferguson’s sensational reign.
According to The Athletic, when the Glazers first took over at United, they contemplated the possibility of rebuilding Old Trafford.
However, it appears the huge expense this would require ultimately prompted the Americans into shelving any potential plans.
A source is quoted by the publication as saying: “When they first came, they had the intention of rebuilding Old Trafford.
“They were desperate to buy up all the land around the ground. And the only bit they didn’t buy was where Gary Neville and co put their hotel, and nobody thought you could do anything with that scrap of land back then.
“But they have given up on the stadium.
“I think they realised the cost, probably £1 billion, is too much to justify.
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“It’s not like the Emirates or Tottenham, where you can sell boxes for big money — there just isn’t the market for that in Manchester.”
The Glazers have extended Old Trafford throughout their time in charge, with United’s grand arena boasting a capacity of 76,000.
They developed the north-west and north-east quadrants of the ground – although planning permission and construction contracts were reportedly in place before their takeover.
Given how much they’re disliked among some United fans, the Glazers could be forgiven for contemplating a sale.
But they’re very much in it for the long term, determined to restore the club to the same dizzying heights of old.
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“The Glazers made it very clear that they wanted more than the group were willing to pay and that was it.”
United fans were slammed for signing abusive songs about the Glazers in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley in December.
However, since then, the Red Devils have rediscovered their mojo under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Before the coronavirus crisis hit, United had won eight of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
And they’ll be hoping to carry on that fine form id and when the Premier League season starts up again.
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