The UK government is "eager to get the project started" and is fully supportive of Manchester United's plan to build a new stadium. Earlier this month, the club confirmed plans to leave Old Trafford and move to a new 100,000-seat stadium.

Full support from authorities

The new stadium, in line with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's desire to create a Northern Wembley, will be built on land owned by the club, next to Old Trafford. Architect Lord Foster has stated that construction will take five years.

The UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, Lisa Nandy, emphasized that the project is currently in the development stage, but the government is eager to accelerate the economic revival and initiate such ventures. She added that she, along with the Chancellor and the Secretary of Business, have already been in talks and are determined to push the project forward. Manchester United must plan its own actions and take care of its investors. The government's role is to maximize the benefits for local communities from such projects.

The new stadium, initially called New Trafford, will feature an umbrella-like structure that, according to the architects, will harness solar energy and rainwater. The stadium will also be equipped with three masts, making it visible from 40 kilometers away.

A big opportunity for the economy, but who will pay for it?

United, who have debt exceeding a billion pounds, have not yet confirmed how the construction of the new stadium will be financed, although Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed that public funds will not be used for the 100,000-seat stadium. The Prime Minister's spokesperson also stated the same day that proposals include a significant investment and could create 90,000 jobs and have a major impact on the economy.

People will be drawn in, spending money in local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. This will have a huge impact on the entire local economy, which is why we are really excited about this project, said the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport in an interview for Sky Sports.

© Foster + Partners| Manchester United’s stadium project is stirring emotions. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher said: I couldn’t believe it. It looks like something out of Dubai. Manchester working-class area. This doesn’t feel like Manchester United.