UK government are keen to 'crack on' in supporting Man United's plans to build new £2bn stadium

The UK government are ‘really keen’ on getting Man United’s new stadium ‘off the ground’ and remain confident that the project will go ahead.

Man United announced plans last week to build a brand new £2billion, 100,000-seater stadium to bring the club into the future, with a new ground having long been discussed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

But it comes at a time when morale around the club is low, with United struggling down in 13th place in the Premier League and struggling for any consistency or form in the early stages of the Ruben Amorim era. 

The staggering plans have been drawn up by renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster, which include a cheeky nod to Manchester’s infamous climate.

United plan to pay for the stadium, and elements that benefit them directly, but are relying on public funding for the rest of the project and wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing the plans.

Now, Lisa Nandy – the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom – has spoken out and insisted they are keen to ‘crack on’ with the project.

Lisa Nandy confirmed that the UK government are keen to ‘crack on’ with the stadium plans

She told Sky Sports: ‘It’s a moving feast at the moment, but we are impatient to get the economy growing again and get projects like this off the ground. We’re not wasting a minute. 

‘The Chancellor, Business Secretary and I have been in discussions and we’re really keen to crack on. 

‘Manchester United have to make their own plans and satisfy their own investors. What we have to do as a Government is maximise the benefits of projects like these for the communities that they serve. 

‘That’s why we are working with the Mayor of Greater Manchester and others. But we’re really confident we can do that.’ 

Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, dominate the skyline and effectively hold up the ‘umbrella’ – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be comfortably Britain’s biggest stadium.

Ratcliffe’s time at the club, just over a year, has been characterised by cuts and cost-cutting measures as the new part-owner looks to strengthen the financial situation at Old Trafford. 

One such topic that has proven to be an increasingly thorny topic is the clubs ticket pricing.

It was revealed earlier this week that season ticket prices would go up again for 2025-26.

The club believe the increase of roughly £2.50-per-game is close to the levels of inflation and reflects their rising costs which they cannot continue to absorb.

The staggering plans have been drawn up by renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster 

Adult season-ticket prices will now range between £608-£1,121. Youth and senior tickets are lower, and United have also applied a blanket 25 per cent concession for all OAPs, some of whom benefitted from a 50 per cent saving.

But the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said they were ‘disappointed’ that the club ignored calls to freeze all prices.

MUST raised concerns over plans to relocate fans sitting behind the dugouts at Old Trafford and sell their seats at higher prices in a new VIP area, and also charge non-season ticket holders more for premium games using a match categorisation model.

They also challenged United over an increase in the season ticket holder minimum usage requirement to 16 of the 19 Premier League games, the decision to impose a £10 charge on fans selling their tickets back to the club less than two weeks before the game, and a 15 per cent increase in car parking charges.