Sir Alex Ferguson reacts as Manchester United confirm plans to leave Old Trafford | OneFootball

United estimate the stadium and wider regeneration project has the potential to add an extra £7.3billion each year to the UK economy

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United must be “brave” ahead of their move to a new ground.

On Tuesday, United confirmed they planned to build a 100,000-seater new stadium in a game-changing move the club.

Old Trafford – one of football’s most storied grounds - has been the iconic home of the Red Devils since 1910 but has fallen behind other major sporting arenas in recent years.

While the club plan to build their state-of-the-art new ground next to the existing stadium, there is no doubt leaving the Theatre of Dreams will be hugely emotional for United supporters.

Ferguson oversaw an unprecedented spell of success during his time in charge of the Manchester giants between 1986 and 2013, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues among a raft of other honours.

United have struggled since his retirement, with many pointing out the standards slipped at the club following his departure. The stadium is certainly part of that, with so much made about the leaking roof and general lack of investment in it under the Glazer family ownership.

Manchester United have confirmed plans to build a state-of-the-art new stadium near Old Trafford

Foster + Partners/PA Wire

Still, despite the incredible weight of the emotional attachment millions will have to Old Trafford, Ferguson has called for fans to embrace what lies ahead.

“Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in,” he said.

“Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”