Old Trafford stadium task force to have decision by end of the year

UNITED have earmarked the end of the year for the Old Trafford task force to conclude their findings.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

It was announced in March that a task force to regenerate Old Trafford and the land around it had been created and that it would be chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe.

Former United captain Gary Neville was appointed to the panel, along with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Sara Todd, chief executive of Trafford council.

The panel was created to explore all options but to closely examine the feasibility of a new building and wider regeneration.

Initially, an external source indicated the task force could conclude their findings at the end of the summer but that timeframe has been corrected by club sources.

It's understood the Old Trafford task force is expected to announce its findings toward the end of 2024 and, once that is concluded, the next steps of the project can begin. The task force panel, which has 14 members, is aiming to hold at least one meeting per month.

Once the best course of action, whether to revamp or rebuild, is decided and the implications for the regeneration project are considered, there will be movement.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said it's his preference to build a new Old Trafford, to create a 'Wembley of the north' and a 'stadium that's befitting the club and the brand'.

Estimated costs for that have been put at £2billion.