Manchester United supporters' group The 1958 have slammed INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium.
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The 1958 issue scathing statementStadium said to resemble a circus tentRatcliffe under further fireFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
United unveiled plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium on Tuesday, but some fans immediately reacted with immense disappointment. The stadium appears to resemble a circus tent, with three spires that are said to be inspired by the Red Devils' trident that adorns United's badge.
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Now, fan group The 1958 have absolutely slammed Ratcliffe and INEOS' plans, insisting that the design is "soulless" and "corporate", and betrays the club's industrial heritage, while resembling a "circus". As per the plans, Old Trafford is set to be demolished.
WHAT THE 1958 SAID
A statement from The 1958 reads: "Instead of embodying the gritty, historic essence of Old Trafford…the design resembles a generic, soulless corporate structure, more akin to a modern entertainment venue than a football cathedral.
"Its circus-like aesthetic disregards the club’s working-class origins and the identity of a fanbase that spans generations. Rather than honoring the past and strengthening the bond with the local community, it prioritises spectacle over substance.
"Football, dignity and traditions need to be upheld and from what we can see they aren’t. It should be a cathedral for fans to go and worship our team and not a circus like tourist attraction."
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On the pitch, United play Real Sociedad on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash. The tie is finely poised at 1-1.