Man Utd DENY Ratcliffe claim that taxpayer money could be used for new stadium

Manchester United CEO Collette Roche has insisted that no taxpayer money will be used to build the club’s potential new stadium despite suggestions to the contrary by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe had previously stated that the government could contribute towards regeneration plans around the Old Trafford area, having revealed plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium on the nearby land.

However, Roche, who is leading the project from the club side, calmed the speculation and clarified that any government help would be regarding around logistics rather than finances.

“Absolutely not,” Roche told the We Built This City podcast, when asked if public money would be used to build the stadium. “We understand the stadium is our responsibility. We want to provide a great stadium for our fans. We will pay the £2bn, I think it is at the last estimate, to be able to do that.

“But there is no point building the biggest or the best stadium in the UK and it being on an island and you can’t get to it because the transport links aren’t there or people can’t come on non-matchday or local businesses can’t be part of it.

“Our ask of the Government is that they support, not the stadium build, but really support the infrastructure and regeneration of the area.”

Man Utd maintain local council backing for stadium redevelopment

United told a fans forum this week that they were still hopeful of doing a deal for the land behind Old Trafford, which is currently being used as a freight terminal.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has already given his support, while a statutory body is reportedly being set up to help deliver the project.

“It’s an amazing opportunity we’ve got,” Roche said. “Not just for Manchester United, but also for the region.

“While we will build a stadium that is great for our team, the club and our fans, it is so much more than that. It’s not just a Manchester United vision, it’s a vision for the region.

“That’s why Andy Burnham and Trafford Council are really keen to work with us.”

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