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 world’s 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 ClubÂ’s 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 donÂ’t shout about our successes, but itÂ’s right that we choose this moment to put a record together to help people in 50 yearsÂ’ 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. I’m immensely proud of this Club, all it has achieved and its vision of the future.”
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