Manchester United received some brilliant news away from the football pitch this week.
The 2024/25 season has not panned out as Manchester United fans hoped it would. The Red Devils are currently slumped in 13th in the Premier League table with only one win in their last five league games.
Players are unhappy with Ruben Amorim after he recently claimed it is the worst United team in club history. He has since cleared up those comments, but ultimately it is hard to disagree with what he said.
Away from the pitch, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year of ownership has been highly controversial with several decisions angering fans – including a hike in ticket prices.
However, one positive under Ineos has been talks of a new stadium or a refurbished Old Trafford. Both options are still on the cards, but Ratcliffe wants a new 100,000-seater venue.
The Old Trafford Rengeneration Task Force has determined potential capacities for redeveloping the current site and for building a new stadium. #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2025
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A new stadium is set to cost around £2bn but United have now received some great news about their proposed project.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesGovernment support for Man United stadium plans
United received a major boost to their stadium project this week with the Daily Mail reporting that it has now received government support.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will champion the project with the government describing the proposal as a “shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region”.
A stadium task force including Gary Neville was assembled back in February to assess all options, and while a final decision has not been announced regarding a new stadium or a refurbished Old Trafford – the report claims that the prospect of building a new stadium and demolishing Old Trafford has “taken steps forward”.
Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham is in favour of a new stadium, believing it would become “the single most significant football location in the world”. Government support is the latest step towards it becoming a reality.
United CEO Omar Berrada has reacted to the news and welcomed government support with open arms.
The Old Trafford Regeneration Project has been backed by the government.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 26, 2025
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Berrada’s statement read: “‘The delivery of a world-class stadium can be the catalyst for major regeneration of an area of Greater Manchester which requires new investment to thrive again.
“We cannot achieve that wider aim on our own, which is why we welcome the announcement by the Chancellor and the ongoing support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Trafford Council. If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a landmark project around Old Trafford that the whole region can be proud of.”
Man United chiefs focus on new 100,000-capacity stadium
Back in October, reports suggested work on the stadium could begin in 2025, and it seems that timeline is still on schedule.
According to the Daily Mail report above, key figures at Manchester United are “hopeful” that enabling work could start on the project before the end of this year.
Club officials “will now focus their energies on a 100,000 newbuild” rather than the redevelopment of Old Trafford. A final decision is expected to be announced before the end of the season.
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Early estimations have suggested that a new rebuild would take roughly three years, meaning United could have a new home by 2028.
By that time, the £50m training ground project will also be completed, giving the players access to world-class facilities.
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