Omar Berrada responds to Manchester's ambitious 10-year plan, Old Trafford Regeneration is 'at the heart' of it

Manchester United have an important role to play in the Greater Manchester Strategy, which outlines Andy Burnham’s priorities for the next decade.

In March, Manchester United announced plans to build a new stadium, without revealing what would happen to the current Old Trafford ground.

The idea is led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Ineos announced their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as the centre piece of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area.

It is estimated that the stadium and wider regeneration project have the potential to deliver an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy.

United fans can expect a state-of-the-art stadium, but former midfielder Paul Ince has raised concerns about whether it will be possible to transfer the Old Trafford atmosphere.

The architecture group appointed to design the stadium is Foster + Partners.

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Omar Berrada reacts to Manchester’s 10-year plan

United are firmly behind the 10-year growth plan for the region.

The 10-year plan, which promises a new era of economic growth for the city, is a vision set by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

More United News

It details how Manchester has plans to become a second city to rival any other on the planet by 2050.

United’s new stadium will play a big role in that.

Reacting to the announcement, Omar Berrada, chief executive of Manchester United, said via ManUtd.com: “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.

“In March, we announced our ambition for a new stadium and since then we have been progressing those plans. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our shared vision for the revival of this area of the city that requires investment to thrive again.”

Lord Sebastian Coe secures key role

United have revealed that Lord Sebastian Coe will spearhead the plans for a new stadium as the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The 68-year-old led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force as United explored options for the new world-class stadium.

This means Lord Coe will play a significant role in the next stage of the process.

Lord Coe has since shared ambitious plans to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final at United’s new stadium, provided it is built in time.

The Daily Mail suggest United plan to move into the new stadium at the start of the 2030/31 season.

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.”

Click here to read article