Manchester United unveiled plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium in March, but the project has been hit by a 'fresh financial blow'
Stadium
Man United's new stadium plans have hit a delay(Image: PA)
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Manchester United's plans to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium have reportedly hit a snag due to a lack of government funding.
The club revealed their ambitious plans in March, shortly after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired his minority stake in February 2024, expressed his preference for a new-build on the same site as Old Trafford, replacing the historic 115-year-old ground. The Mirror reported that club insiders estimate the cost of a new stadium to be a whopping £2billion.
Ratcliffe was hopeful that the project could be financed in part through the government's Trafford Park regeneration scheme, which has received backing from Chancellor Rachel Reeves. However, according to the i Paper, the Treasury will not allocate any funding for the stadium, with the upcoming Budget expected to focus heavily on tax increases.
Furthermore, United's bid for government funding has allegedly been at a standstill since the beginning of the year. It is said that Treasury officials have held discussions with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority about regeneration and housing plans in the area, but 'no formal engagement' has been made with either United or Trafford Council.
The government has already committed £600million to Greater Manchester for the 2025–26 financial year through an Integrated Settlement with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities, announced a year ago.
However, it seems that additional funding specifically for the Old Trafford redevelopment is not currently on the cards. United have made it clear they are not seeking public funds for the stadium build itself, estimated to cost between £2bn and £3bn, but government support will be crucial to deliver the broader regeneration plans.
Alongside these delays, United have also been unable to secure the rail freight terminal near Old Trafford, which is needed to commence building work.
Stadium
Man United's new proposed stadium design
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The club have put forward £50m for the land, but Freightliner, the owners and operators of the terminal, are holding out for £400m - a price the Reds view as 'unrealistic'.
Last month, it was reported that United have had 'constructive' talks with Freightliner - and are hopeful about reaching an agreement 'within the coming months'. If a deal is struck, United would be able to press ahead with plans, designed by Lord Norman Foster, for a new stadium complex.
A new stadium would bring significant social and economic benefits to the local community, including an estimated 92,000 jobs and over 17,000 new homes.
It's also projected to draw in 1.8m additional visitors, generating a £7.3bn annual boost to the UK economy.
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