Lord Seb Coe is to spearhead Manchester United’s plans for a new stadium – with officials aiming to host the women’s World Cup final at the 100,000-capacity venue in 2035.
Mail Sport understands that the appointment of the London 2012 supremo is a huge boost, with the club at loggerheads with a nearby business over a piece of land vital to the vast project that would see the Premier League giants leave Old Trafford.
United still hope to be in their new home in time for the 2030-31 season. But those with knowledge of the matter have disclosed that it has been complicated by a failure to come to an agreement over the Freightliner Terminal, behind the Stretford End.
It is thought that landowners Brookfield remain a substantial distance from United in terms of valuation. There is a view that they are attempting to cash-in, given the sudden interest in the land. And should no agreement be reached, Coe could step in and force a compulsory purchase order.
The Olympic legend will tonight be announced as the ‘Chair-Designate’ of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford Regeneration project by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as part of the unveiling of a 10-year growth plan for the region.
A close friend of United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the influential 68-year-old had previously led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – a group set up by the club with the objective of exploring options for developing a world-class football stadium and regenerating the surrounding area, which also featured the likes of Gary Neville. Coe will now be influential in the next stage of the project.
London 2012 supremo Lord Seb Coe is to spearhead Man United’s plans for a new stadium
Man United are planning to build a 100,000-capacity new Old Trafford under a vast umbrella
Manchester United are still intending to open their new home in time for the 2030-31 season
Last week marked the 20th anniversary of London being awarded the 2012 Games, in a stunning victory overseen by Coe. The middle distance, two-time gold medallist took over as chair of the bid around a year before the vote, at a time when some suggested that London was so far behind rivals Paris that they should withdraw from the process.
While United’s overwhelming priority this summer is to turn things around on the pitch, work has been continuing behind-the-scenes on the stadium plan. Concept images have been released via Lord Norman Foster, the award-winning architect. A tender is out for designers to come forward with final proposals.
United believe the hiring of Coe represents a major step forward. The MDC is a statutory body with powers to purchase land and drive the project forward and his input will be substantial.
Feasibility work is ongoing. One key element will be the utilisation of the stadium – which would be the biggest in the country – as the so-called Wembley of the North.
Talks are thought to have already taken place with FIFA on hosting fixtures in the 2035 tournament, including the final.
The stadium forms the centrepiece of a wider regeneration of the area. United have said they will seek public funding for infrastructure of the project, but will not look for money for the stadium build.
Coe’s appointment needs to be signed off by government, which is viewed as a formality.
Officials hope to host the women’s World Cup final at the 100,000-capacity venue in 2035
Man United hope they will be able to move out of their current Old Trafford home by 2030-31
He said: ‘I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation.
‘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. 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.’
Omar Berrada, United chief executive, said: ‘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.’
