Old Trafford could be set for its first major development since 2006
Manchester United are planning an expansion of Old Trafford, with football director John Murtough confirming that initial meetings have already been held with architects and engineers about the project.
Old Trafford remains the largest club stadium in the UK with a capacity of 74,140. Its last major expansion work took place between July 2005 and May 2006, when additional tiers were added to the north-west and north east corners of the ground.
Murtough described the project as "exciting", but stressed that the process was in its infancy. As a result, there are few details of what the development might entail at this stage.
"Initial meetings have taken place with a number of architectural and engineering companies to present their credentials as key partners in the project," he told a fans forum meeting.
"These meetings have produced exciting potential ideas, although it's important to note that we're still at an early stage and it’s premature to talk about timetables.
"We have an open mind about the best approach and scope of work. The next step will be for us to appoint master planners."
In addition to work at Old Trafford, work is also planned for the club's training complex at Carrington. This would see all of United's teams - men's, women's and the academy - based at the same site.
"With Carrington, we are further down the track," said Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche.
"Master planners are in place. Our goal is a fully integrated, three-group facility and we are scoping out plans."
Old Trafford's south stand, now known as the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, remains as a single-tier structure. Reports have frequently surfaced claiming United are considering adding additional tiers. A railway line runs immediately by the stand, complicating any plans of mirroring the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand which faces it.
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