Manchester United has expressed gratitude for the government's backing of a project aimed at revitalizing the area surrounding Old Trafford. The Manchester United CEO, Omar Berrada, has hailed this as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The Treasury announced on Saturday that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is endorsing the Old Trafford project as an exemplary model of the government's strategy to stimulate economic growth. The plan involves either expanding the current stadium to accommodate 87,000 spectators or constructing a new one with a capacity of 100,000 fans.
Omar Berrada, Manchester United CEO, said:
“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,” Berrada said in a statement published on the United website.
“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 [Andy Burnham] 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.”
Public-Private partnership in stadium development
While Manchester United will shoulder responsibility for developing the stadium itself, public bodies' support is crucial to unlock broader regeneration opportunities. This includes enhancing transport infrastructure and housing around Old Trafford.
The taskforce responsible for regenerating Old Trafford — which counts Burnham, Gary Neville and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe among its members — recently unveiled an initial options report. Key findings indicate that this project could contribute an additional £7.3bn gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy and create over 90,000 job opportunities.
Two options under consideration
Two possibilities are currently under review: increasing capacity at the existing stadium by more than 12,000 seats or opting for a larger new build altogether. Manchester United plans to finalize their preferred approach before summer arrives.
A survey conducted in November revealed that most United fans would prefer building a new stadium rather than redeveloping Old Trafford.
This ambitious regeneration project represents not only an exciting development in sports infrastructure but also promises significant economic benefits and employment opportunities. With fan opinion leaning towards constructing a new ground entirely rather than refurbishing existing facilities, it remains to be seen what decision Manchester United will make ahead of the summer. Regardless, the government's support for this project underscores its commitment to promoting economic growth through sports and infrastructure development.
