United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had already publicly shared his vision to build a ‘Wembley of the North’ to replace the current stadium at Old Trafford. And Trafford Council have already welcome the plans to regenerate the area, though they said it will fall upon United to fund the new arena.
And the 20-time Premier League champions confirmed in a statement on Friday that an ‘Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force’ will look at how a redeveloped stadium can benefit the local region. They said local leaders and national experts will be a part of the team tasked with delivering social and economic benefits.
United added: “Chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, former Chair of the organising committee for the 2012 London Olympics, the task force will assess the feasibility of a new stadium of national significance equipped to host international games and finals, as well as providing a modernised home for Manchester United.
“Other members will include Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Sara Todd, Chief Executive of Trafford Council, and Gary Neville, former captain of Manchester United.”
