Man Utd's proposed new stadium has moved a step closer to reality (Image: PA)
Manchester United have secured the bulk of the land required to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium. The club had been in negotiations with Freightliner to acquire land behind Old Trafford's Stretford End, however talks had ground to a halt, prompting United to explore alternative options in the surrounding area.
[United](/latest/manchester-united-fc) have now confirmed they have reached an agreement on a separate plot of land situated approximately 350 metres north-west of their current ground. The 25-acre triangular site is nestled between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way.
The land has been purchased from Indurent, a leading industrial space provider and Blackstone portfolio company. United now hold the majority of the land required for the project and will press ahead with securing the remaining plots, a process the club does not anticipate presenting any significant difficulties.
Design work on the new stadium had been put on hold while negotiations with Freightliner were ongoing. The club had spent a year in discussions with Freightliner before ultimately exploring other avenues.
Collette Roche, chief executive of United's new stadium development, said: "Today's news highlights the progress we're making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development.
"Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans. We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.
"This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions. Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical, and the land we've acquired gives us the stage to deliver a truly world-class stadium that honours our past and is ready for our future."
Businesses affected by the proposals will be engaged with directly by United to help guide them through the transitional period.
The Mayoral Development Corporation is set to release the broader masterplan for the Old Trafford regeneration project, along with details of the formal consultation period, on July 9 while United have also confirmed that supporters will continue to be consulted throughout the stadium design phase.