Manchester United have confirmed that a key part of Old Trafford is set to undergo a major change ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season.
Earlier on Tuesday, the club confirmed that the Old Trafford tunnel area is poised to be subjected to a renovation.
A United statement read, “Manchester United is pleased to report that work has commenced on a redesign of the iconic players’ tunnel at Old Trafford.”
“The objective is to create a performance environment that will inspire and motivate our men’s, women’s and Academy players on matchday.”
“Led by the football department, this summer’s refurbishment will introduce a more modern and premium space for the squads to utilize.”
United also communicated that the existing plaques in memory of ex-club president John Henry Davis and former owner James W. Gibson will both be given new homes within the newly transformed tunnel.
Davis took over Newton Heath in 1902 and saved the club from certain bankruptcy while also changing its name to Manchester United. Meanwhile, Gibson had a similarly impactful influence on United and in the process, provided a platform for the emergence of the club’s world-famous youth system and the extremely successful Sir Matt Busby era.
As pointed out by 90min, United’s current tunnel which is situated in the south-west corner between the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and the West Stand is at best a “functional space” which acts as a pathway for the players from the dressing room.
In 2018, the existing tunnel was slightly modified with white-painted breeze blocks and a retractable red cover.
Work on the tunnel is expected to be completed by the start of the 2024/25 season.
Erik ten Hag’s men kick off their campaign at home against Fulham on Friday 16 August.
This latest project is just the latest in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s efforts to improve the club’s facilities and infrastructure since he assumed full control of the Red Devils’ sporting operations in February.
Ratcliffe is understood to be keen on the building of a new world-class arena that can be seen as the “Wembley of the North.”
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