Man Utd's £2bn stadium plans get 'huge green light' as completion date set

As Manchester United fans continue to ponder what their new proposed £2billion stadium may look like, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co have been boosted by a piece of positive news

Manchester United are confident in securing a deal to purchase land around Old Trafford which can open the way for their lofty Old Trafford ambitions. The Red Devils are looking to build a brand-new £2billion stadium capable of holding around 100,000 people, where their current, leaky home is.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe first laid out these ambitions by describing the club's vision as the 'Wembley of the North'. A 100,000-seater stadium would see United own the biggest stadium in the country, with current leader Wembley Stadium holding 90,000 spectators.

However, their ambitions have recently been complicated by an ongoing issue with a vital part of land close to the Stretford End. United do not own this specific space, which belongs to Freightliner.

Reports from the Daily Mail claim that the 13-time Premier League winners have offered £50m to purchase the land. Unfortunately for the Reds, it's also said Freightliner are looking for £400m.

United believe the government could intervene to set a fair price by making a compulsory purchase order. But this may not be necessary, as the same report states that United officials have engaged in "constructive" talks with Freightliner and are confident a deal is only a matter of months away.

If United can purchase the land, they can move forward in their ambitions for the new Old Trafford. In March, futuristic designs of a bigger Old Trafford created by Lord Norman Foster, featuring an enormous canopy, were presented.

Previous reports understand the stadium costs are in the ballpark of around £2bn. The land owned by Freightliner is believed to be part of the new stadium footprint, which is made up of 17,000 homes.

It already has the support of the mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, who suggested he may sign off on compulsory purchase orders. In August, after telling BBC Radio Manchester an order could be signed "if needed," he said: "The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has approved the establishment of a mayoral development corporation (MDC) to oversee a masterplan of the area to facilitate some of the land assembly.

"But there's plenty that can be done if an agreement cannot be reached. The real action is only going to get going in the autumn with the MDC."

Moreover, United are believed to be funding the construction of the stadium themselves, but are eager for the government to stump up for the wider infrastructure included within the project. The club is hopeful to be in the new Old Trafford by the 2030-31 campaign.

Reports from the Athletic have also stated United were contemplating the introduction of 'Personal Seat Licences' which could result in fans having to pay up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new venue. This scheme, which is widespread at US sporting events, is also believed to be optional and would mainly concern seats in the premium areas of the stadium.

Fans are currently being asked to present their feedback on facilities, cost, and other aspects of the plans.

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