MANCHESTER UNITED look set to announce plans to build a brand new 100,000-seater stadium today, according to reports.
The project is expected to cost £2billion and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has secured government backing to regenerate the area around United’s current Old Trafford home.
Manchester United will reportedly announce plans to build a brand new 100,000-seater stadium on Tuesday
AlamyThe new stadium project is expected to cost £2billion[/caption]
AlamyUnited have been assessing options for the future of Old Trafford virtually ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arriva.[/caption]
United are expected to make an announcement on Tuesday confirming the decision and revealing architect’s plans of their new super-stadium on a new site.
The Red Devils have been assessing options for the future of Old Trafford virtually ever since Ratcliffe’s arrival in February 2024.
Earlier this year, a designated task force delivered its report on the feasibility of either redeveloping the existing 115-year structure or rebuilding a new brand stadium.
And the struggling club – who are rotting in 14th in the Prem – have reportedly chosen to unlock one of the biggest regeneration projects in UK history by building a new ground.
United’s plans of building a new ‘Wembley of the North’ home received a major boost in January when the proposal received the backing of the government.
It was previously claimed that if United stayed at Old Trafford their capacity would only jump from 74,000 to 87,000.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, is one of the leading voices championing the regeneration project.
The task force, created by Ratcliffe, consists of former United skipper Neville, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Trafford Council leader Sara Todd.
The panel has been chaired by Olympic hero Lord Sebastian Coe, who is expected to speak alongside Ratcliffe at a stadium project update held in London today.
Ratcliffe hinted at the new plans in his bombshell interview with Neville on Monday.
Man Utd have played at Old Trafford for 115 years
Sir Jim insisted the club will not need government support to pay for the new ground, but public money could help the make improvements to Trafford Park.
Ratcliffe said: “We can build a stadium. We don’t need any government funding for that stadium, but it has to be the underpin for the regeneration.
“The only basis upon which we can build a new one is if it is part of this government regeneration scheme for south Manchester, because we can’t afford to regenerate southern Manchester, that’s too big a bill for the club.”
It is estimated the redevelopment of the Trafford Park area could boost the UK economy by as much as £7.3 BILLION.
The complex would boast a major transport hub as well as dedicated premises for sports, residential, entertainment and business.
And their plans to re-shape the area would create more than 90,000 employment opportunities.
When asked about United once again playing in a best-in class stadium, Ratcliffe told Neville: “It’s definitely deliverable.
“If you take the view it’s the greatest club in the world, then it should be a stadium befitting the greatest club in the world.
“And also a stadium that befits the greatest league in the world because the Premier League is the greatest league in the world.”
A new home would be likely designed by the award-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, a close pal of Ratcliffe’s who is currently overseeing the revamp of United’s Carrington training base.
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