United shelve stadium plans

Manchester United have decided not to pursue plans to expand Old Trafford to seat more than 90,000 people.

The Premier League leaders’ ground holds 75,700 spectators, but club owners the Glazers have been keen to add a further 15,000 seats in order to increase revenue.

A series of studies have been conducted in recent years to explore the possibility of enhancing the stadium by extending the South stand over a railway line adjacent to the ground.

But adding an extra tier to the South stand would cost an estimated 37 million euros, with senior sources revealing the project would be cost prohibitive in the current financial climate, due to structural issues involved in enhancing the existing build.

Despite topping the table and comfortably securing progression to the Champions League last 16, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have seen a downturn in numbers from supporters in general, owing to the economic recession.

The club were forced to mail fans to offer season tickets while increasing their commercial efforts, with big business more conscious of forking out for corporate facilities.