Man United’s stance on Old Trafford project after Andy Burnham’s mayoral exit | OneFootball

Manchester United’s position on their multibillion-pound Old Trafford regeneration project has emerged following Andy Burnham’s departure as Greater Manchester mayor.

Uncertainty

Last week, The Times revealed that United’s bid to construct a new state-of-the-art project could be thrown into “a period of uncertainty” if Burnham were to win the Makerfield by-election and vacate his position as Greater Manchester mayor.

In March last year, United announced plans to leave Old Trafford in favour of building a brand new 100,000-seater stadium.

The new stadium, which will be the largest in the UK, is set to be built on club-owned land adjacent to Old Trafford.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has repeatedly stated plans to bestow United with an iconic stadium, which he has branded the “Wembley of the North.”

With a new stadium at its heart, the wider Old Trafford regeneration is projected to inject £7.3bn into the UK economy every year, supporting 92,000 new jobs and delivering more than 17,000 homes.

Burnham has been a big supporter of the project and as such, The Times explained that some senior figures at United are worried that his departure could stall momentum, given that a new mayor could potentially withhold funding approvals, steer the board towards residential development, or refuse compulsory land acquisition if it becomes necessary.

However, according to the BBC, United are confident they can work with whoever becomes mayor. This follows Burnham’s Makerfield by-election win, which means he must step down as Mayor and trigger a fresh election.

United’s stance

Simon Stone of the BBC writes, “Manchester United expect their new stadium plans to be unaffected by Andy Burnham’s departure as Greater Manchester mayor.”

“Multiple sources have told BBC Sport the MDC is legally binding and has been constituted by Parliament, so only the Government can scrap it.”

“United feel no matter who the new Mayor is, or which party they come from, their work on a stadium that is likely to cost in excess of £2bn, can continue.”

The MDC (Mayoral Development Corporation) is chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe.

United are hopeful that a deal with Freightliner for the land necessary to construct the new stadium can be struck this summer.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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