Manchester United’s new stadium development thrown into doubt

Manchester United have been working on plans for a new stadium to replace Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took charge of the Red Devils.

The aim is to build a new £2 billion 100,000 seater “Wembley of the North” with the area around the new stadium set to be a hub of innovation and development.

However, The Daily Mail has reported how recent comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have thrown the development into question.

The INEOS owner claimed “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”, further standing by his wording when queried by the interviewer.

Since the controversial comments, Manchester United have responded to the statement, along with affiliated supporters clubs, discrimination charities and even Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

However, another response has come from Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Taking to X, Burnham commented: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races, faiths and none have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.”

He continued: “Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another.

“It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn.”

“Footballers who have arrived from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enhanced the life of our city-region, as have the many people working in Greater Manchester’s NHS and other essential services and industries.

“We appreciate their contribution as a city-region famous for the warmth of our welcome.

“If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”

This very clear response to Ratcliffe could well lead to a major issue with the development of a new stadium as Burnham is key to ensuring the project goes through successfully.

The Mayor of Grater Manchester is reported by The Daily Mail as vital to unlocking government funding needed to get the new stadium across the line.

Already Manchester has been rejuvenated by Burnham’s influence, with the Mayor having transformed Manchester city centre.

Already Burnham has voed that taxpayers money would only go on the land around the new stadium which is set to bring in 15,000 new homes, 48,000 new jobs for locals and 90,000 across the country.