Sir Jim Ratcliffe's two key factors as he considers U-turn on £2bn Man Utd plan

The future of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium hangs in the balance and supporters are set to be offered the opportunity to give their views on the Theatre of Dreams

The future of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium could depend on two factors as part-owner Jim Ratcliffe considers a shock U-turn.

Since the INEOS chief invested in the club earlier this year, the prospects of the Theatre of Dreams have been high on the agenda. The UK's second-largest stadium has been home to the Red Devils for more than 100 years but its future hangs in the balance.

Ratcliffe's preference thus far has been to build a new 100,000-seater stadium on land adjacent to Old Trafford. The club would hope to move to the new ground by 2030 - at a cost of around £2billion.

It is understood that United's plan would include remaining at Old Trafford during the build. This would see them avoid playing at a temporary venue.

It had also been initially touted that Old Trafford would remain intact - as host the women's and academy sides at a reduced capacity. Now, the prospect of the stadium being demolished is on the table with the club believing keeping a scaled back Old Trafford is unrealistic.

United's future plans have yet to be confirmed, however. Redeveloping Old Trafford has also been under consideration and could cost half as much at £1bn. According to The Daily Mail, finances and the views of fans will be the two key factors for Ratcliffe before he makes a final decision.

United plan to survey supporters to take the temperature over their feelings on the stadium process. A survey will be sent to season ticket holders on Friday

Join the debate! Do you think Man Utd should stay at Old Trafford? Let us know here.

Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images) Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Around 500,000 season ticket holders and members will be asked for their views on the matchday experience, what they want their future experience to include and their views on the new build and renovation options.

Gary Neville, a member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force and former United captain, said: “Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it’s clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world -class stadium befitting the world’s greatest club and the world’s greatest fans.

“Old Trafford should be a stadium that the Manchester United fan base can take pride in, so I urge the fans to complete the survey, and participate in the wider consultation, to help shape the Task Force feasibility work and ultimately inform the club’s final decision on the stadium’s future.”

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