Plans for Manchester United to build a new stadium are well and truly underway, with the countdown for Ineos.
It has only been six months since Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced new stadium plans for Manchester United.
This sees a magnificent plan to build a new state-of-the-art 100,000-seater venue for United to call home, bringing with it regeneration of the general surrounding area.
At the time of the announcement, work was slated to begin before the new year, with United hoping to open the stadium in 2030.
However, before construction could begin, one major hurdle had to be jumped.
Manchester United confident hurdle in new stadium will be solved
Charged with the construction of the new stadium is the world-famous architecture practice Norman Foster; however, construction hasn’t begun, and funding is yet to be sourced.
The most eye-catching aspect of the new stadium design was the canopy; however, this recently came under uncertainty, with alternatives being considered.
This is because United had been unsuccessful in purchasing land from Freightliner, who were demanding £400m, as United offered £50m, for the land needed to make the new stadium and surrounding area.
However, The Sun has now shared a statement which suggests that an agreement over the land dispute is well on the way to being reached.
“While Manchester United owns a significant portion of land around Old Trafford, it is not all in a single, continuous block.
“To accommodate the scale of the proposed new stadium – including a canopy – and to avoid disruption to the existing stadium during construction, we are working to secure additional land.
“We’ve been engaged in constructive discussions with neighbouring landholders and are optimistic about reaching mutually agreeable terms in the coming months.”
With this issue being resolved, in theory, it should allow United to get construction underway, assuming funding is secured.
Ineos have targeted the 2030/31 season for the ‘New Old Trafford’ to be completed, which means starting as soon as possible will be key.
Manchester United stands to benefit financially from Old Trafford 2.0
Building the new stadium is not just for show, but rather, an indication of where Manchester United wants to be with a stadium befitting.
United could make £250m a season in match day revenue, once the 100,000-seater stadium is built, which is a significant rise from the previous best of £160m
When he took charge, it became evident that Ratcliffe wanted a new stadium built, with Old Trafford simply not matching up to Europe’s best anymore.
Now, he is close to seeing this project get underway, and to reap the future rewards, United need to get their act together on the pitch.
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