Man Utd's £2bn stadium plans get 'huge green light' as expected completion date set

Manchester United are confident in securing a deal to purchase land around Old Trafford which can open the way for their lofty Old Trafford ambitions. The Red Devils are looking to build a brand-new stadium capable of holding around 100,000 people where their current, leaky home is.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe first laid out these ambitions by describing the club's vision as the 'Wembley of the North'. A 100,000 seater stadium would see United own the biggest stadium in the country, with current leader Wembley Stadium holding 90,000 spectators.

However, their ambitions have recently been complicated by an ongoing issue with a vital part of land close to the Stretford End. United do not own this specific piece of land, which belongs to Freightliner.

Reports from the Daily Mail understand the 13-time Premier League winners have offered £50m to purchase the land. Unfortunately for the Reds, it's also claimed Freightliner are looking for £400m.

It's also understood United believe the government could intervene to set a fair price by making a compulsory purchase order. But this may not be necessary, as it's been reported United officials have engaged in "constructive" talks with Freightliner and are confident a deal is only a matter of months away.

If United are able to purchase the land, they can move forward in their ambitions for the new Old Trafford. In March, futuristic designs of a bigger Old Trafford created by Lord Norman Foster, featuring an enormous canopy, were presented.

Previous reports understand the stadium costs are in the ballpark of around £2billion. The land owned by Freightliner is believed to be part of the new stadium footprint, which is made up of 17,000 homes.

It already has the support of mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham , who suggested he may sign off on compulsory purchase orders. In August, he told BBC Radio Manchester: "The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has approved the establishment of a mayoral development corporation (MDC) to oversee a masterplan of the area to facilitate some of the land assembly.

"But there's plenty that can be done if an agreement cannot be reached. The real action is only going to get going in the autumn with the MDC."

Moreover, United are believed to be funding the construction of the stadium themselves but are eager for the government to stump up for the wider infrastructure included within the project. The club is hopeful to be in the new Old Trafford by the 2030-31 campaign.

Reports from the Athletic have also stated United were contemplating the introduction of 'Personal Seat Licences' which could result in fans having to pay up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new venue. This scheme, which is widespreadt at US sporting events, is also believed to be optional and would mainly concern seats in the premium areas of the stadium.

Fans are currently being asked to present their feedback when it comes to facilities, cost and other aspects of the plans.

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