Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly in a hurry, with the INEOS billionaire keen on the building of a new stadium to be finished by 2030.
At the start of 2024, Ratcliffe assumed operational control of United after he purchased a minority stake in the club. One of the cornerstones of his bid to acquire a part of United was the development of Old Trafford.
The two main options that have been under consideration are either the construction of a new 100,000-capacity home or the refurbishment of the existing stadium, which would see the addition of an extra 14,000 seats at Old Trafford, taking it’s total capacity to 87,000.
As it stands the first alternative appears to be the preferred option but a final decision on which course of action to pursue is expected before the end of the season.
United’s plans for a new Old Trafford recently took another step forward after the regeneration project received government backing.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, labelled it “a shining example” of the government’s plans to promote economic growth. United would be responsible for the stadium development, but the club noted that support from public bodies would be needed for areas of the project including improved transport infrastructure and housing.
Now, the Daily Mail reveal that Ratcliffe is eager to have the project completed by 2030 – two years earlier than experts have predicted.
According to the newspaper, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in a hurry to get the Old Trafford project up and running, but industry insiders believe it could be 2032 before the stadium could be fully rebuilt or redeveloped.”
“Ratcliffe and minority owners Ineos hope it can be finished by 2030 and that enabling work can begin before the end of this year.”
“One example would be the stunning SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – where United played Arsenal on tour last summer – which was completed ahead of schedule. But Confidential understands architects think 2032 is a more realistic target, given that it could take several years just to get full planning permission.”
The report adds that purchasing the land behind Old Trafford, which is currently being used as a freight terminal, is viewed as the key to unlocking the project and wider regeneration plan.
There is hope that a breakthrough over this land will be made over the next few months.
Talks are going on well.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
