Sir David Richards, Chairman of the FA Premier League
today opened the new £43m expansion of Old Trafford, which now has
a capacity in excess of 76,000.
The 15-month development reaffirms the 96 year-old stadium as the
biggest in the UK. The Club has already been able to use some of
the seats for games in the latter stages of last season, to enable
more United fans to watch their team.
Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: We are very
proud of our magnificent stadium. This historic venue continues to
stay ahead of the competition.
"As a Club, we never stand still. We are always looking to innovate
and the facilities for matchgoing fans and executive clients are
second to none.
Sir David Richards said: Old Trafford is the worlds leading
ground the jewel in the Premier League crown.
"This latest development is good news for fans and the English game
as a whole. It underlines the popularity and health of the Premier
League.
In a separate ceremony, Manchester United director and record
goalscorer Sir Bobby Charlton buried a time capsule in the new
North-West quadrant to commemorate the year of celebration for the
Clubs five decades of achievement since the Busby Babes won their
first League Championship in 1956.
The capsule contains items of historic importance to the Club, as
well as memorabilia, photographs and audio commentary from key
games. In addition, a copy of Duncan Edwards 1955 playing contract
detailing his £15-a-week wages sits alongside the players bonus
schedule for 2005/06.
Sir Bobby Charlton said: The building of the new quadrants gave us
the chance to mark the achievements of the last 50 years both on
and off the pitch.
"At United, we often dont shout about our successes, but its
right that we choose this moment to put a record together to help
people in 50 years time understand what this great club is about
and where we have come from.
There are some fabulous memories here and some sad ones too. But
all of them underline our rich history and our role in shaping the
modern game. Im immensely proud of this Club, all it has achieved
and its vision of the future.
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