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The timeline for Manchester United to make their final decision on Old Trafford has finally been revealed.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% partial investment into United, there has been plenty of debate about what to do with Old Trafford.
The two main options currently believed to be on the table are either the redevelopment of the iconic stadium as well as the surrounding area or the building of entirely new grounds.
Ratcliffe has repeatedly stated that his wish is to build a new Theatre of Dreams and in the process, create a ‘Wembley of the north’ that can rival the country’s national stadium. Such a venture would cost approximately £2billion.
Back in March, United announced the creation of a task force chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe. The task force was given the responsibility of studying the feasibility of a regeneration of Old Trafford and the land surrounding it.
Other members of the task force include United legend Gary Neville, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and chief executive of Trafford Council Sara Todd.
Neville recently spoke to club media and revealed that he would not oppose the construction of a new arena.
The 49-year-old explained that the history of Old Trafford and the emotional attachment those associated with the Red Devils have towards it should not necessarily be the main reason why the option of a rebuild is discarded.
The Manchester Evening News have given an update on the matter and have divulged when a final decision will be reached by the decision-makers.
“Manchester United have earmarked the end of the year for the Old Trafford task force to conclude their findings.”
“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.”
Steve Railston further notes that it hasn’t been decided which architectural firm will be given the chance to undertake the project.
Populous – the organisation that worked on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – were tasked with determining the feasibility alternatives for Old Trafford and are hopeful of being “trusted” by Ratcliffe to re-shape Old Trafford into a world-class arena.
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