Manchester United unveiled images of their new stadium which will cost £2billion and see their iconic home, Old Trafford, knocked down as part of the development
British Olympic legend Lord Sebastian Coe will lead Manchester United’s plans for their new 100,000-seater stadium. Officials have targeted hosting the Women’s World Cup final in 2035 – five years after they hope to have United themselves playing there.
In March, the Red Devils unveiled images and scaled models of the new stadium which will cost an estimated £2billion and be built by Architecture firm Foster and Partners. Coe, 68, will be the face of the project.
The Mail report that United have appointed the four-time Olympic medallist, who remains the only man to have won gold in the 1500m event twice. Club chiefs want the Red Devils to be in their new home for the start of the 2030-31 season, although there are multiple hurdles to get over first.
United are said to be at loggerheads with a local business over a piece of land which is vital to the project, with new housing, an open cinema and much more part of their plans. The club’s progress has been stunted by a failure to come to an agreement over the Freightliner Terminal which is behind the Stretford End.
It’s said that landowners Brookfield remain a substantial distance from United in terms of valuation. Coe will be publicly announced as ‘Chair-Designate’ of the Mayoral Development Corporation for the Old Trafford Regeneration project by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
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The ex-Team GB hero had previously led a task force assessing the future of Old Trafford which also featured former United captain Gary Neville, who now owns multiple businesses in Manchester. Coe is also a close friend of Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who hopes that the new stadium will be his legacy as well as bringing sustained success back to United.
“I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation,” the 68-year-old commented. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth.
“That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester’s moment has come. Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there’s huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium.
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“And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035. The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family.”
United chief executive Omar Berrada added: “This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy.
“We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive. In addition, Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.”
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