Big boost for the new Man Utd stadium as the council backs ambitious plans

MANCHESTER United have received a major boost for their new stadium as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans are backed by the city council.

Trafford Council bosses have welcomed the proposed plans, which could see the current Old Trafford replaced by a ‘Wembley of the North’ and the ground also used as a national venue.

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The new site is part of plans to regenerate the wider Trafford Wharf area.

However, councilor Liz Patel has made it clear that it is up to the club to find the money for a new stadium.

Trafford Council’s Wharfside Development plans will go out for public consultation next week, with the club’s plans forming a key part of those proposals.

The council has highlighted new stadium developments at Tottenham, Everton and Manchester City as good examples of how to regenerate an area and keep fans in the area for longer on match days.

United’s Sir Jim, 71, told the BBC that Old Trafford, with a capacity of 74,310, had “become tired and needed renovation”.

He said any plan to build a new stadium that could also be used as a national stadium would need a “discussion” with the government about the use of public funds.

Ms Patel, who is leading the council’s redevelopment plans, said a proposal for a Wembley of the North “would be great”.

She said: “That is a big ambition of Jim Ratcliffe and these plans match that in terms of the setting and future of the area.”

It is estimated that a new stadium built on adjacent land could have a price tag of £2 billion.

Ms Patel said the council would seek investment for the redevelopment plans, and “saw a role” for the council in “leading, guiding and securing” the funding.

However, she added: “How United raise the finances for the renovation of their own stadium would be a separate matter.”

Ms Patel received cross-party support for the plans, which could take 20 years to come to fruition, at a meeting of the council’s executive committee on Monday evening.

She said Trafford Council had worked with Manchester United’s planning team to design improvements to the area for fans as part of the masterplan.

A look into Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plans

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Ms Patel said: “We want to create a much more family-friendly space where people want to stay longer and have processional routes so it’s a lot safer for fans arriving on foot from tram stops or walking from the city center – as sometimes happens. in European competitions.”

Sir Jim has finally completed his deal to buy 27.7 percent of Manchester United.

Old Trafford last hosted a Champions League final in 2003, when AC Milan defeated Juventus on penalties.

Sir Jim has also spoken on a number of topics in which he also admitted that the door is not closed for Mason Greenwood to return to the club.

The Sun Online has approached Manchester United for comment.

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