MANCHESTER UNITED fans are set to discover Old Trafford’s fate by the end of the year after a deadline was set.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now in charge of football operations and is desperate to build a new stadium.
It’s reckoned the arena could seat 100,000 people and end up costing an eye-watering £2BILLION.
Old Trafford, which holds 74,000, has come under fire in recent years for its run-down appearance and creaky vibes.
And rival fans were left in stitches after a WATERFALL emerged due to heavy rain in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in May.
Ratcliffe instead wants a mega-arena dubbed the “Wembley of the North”, putting United’s home back on the map while delivering major regeneration to the surrounding area.
A task force has been assembled to asses the options over Old Trafford’s future, which could yet end up simply being developed.
And the Athletic claims a deadline has now been set for a final decision.
It’s reckoned that documents claim that the task force has until December 31 to report back on its findings.
It will focus on the benefits for the local community and stadium-attending fans.
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And a separate process will then begin over the building of a new arena or the redevelopment of Old Trafford once United have chosen their preferred outcome.
Meanwhile, a presentation will be delivered at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool next week as Ratcliffe reportedly seeks public funds to partially fund the project.
Another will be given at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham next month, with reps from United, the task force, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in attendance.
But fans now know that a decision will be made over Old Trafford’s future by the end of the year.
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue.
They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.
That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
A FOOTBALLER was threatened with a knife and punched during a six-a-side match at a school.
Cops rushed to the game after a fight broke out between players at the private game just hours after the kids had left for the day.
Gloucester Soccersixes released a statement on Facebook addressing the “serious incident” that occurred during the match.
It read: “during the game, a player brandished a knife, which caused significant alarm among participants and spectators.
“Fortunately, the situation was resolved without any injuries, and local authorities were contacted to handle the matter appropriately.
“The player and the team to which the player plays for, have been banned from the league and all Soccersixes competitions with immediate effect.”
The player and his team have since been banned from the league.
TWO more major retailers have confirmed they will shut their stores on Boxing Day so staff can have two days off over Christmas.
CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, will close all their branches on December 26.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer for CDS, said: “This year’s been another great one for the business.
“We’re grateful to all our incredible team for their dedication and hard work and believe everyone deserves a well-earned rest during the festive season.
“So, in appreciation, we’ll be closing our stores on Boxing Day to give our team the opportunity to enjoy a full two-day break with their families.”
It is common practice for retailers to close their stores on Christmas Day but not all shut branches the following day.
The Range closed its more than 200 stores on Boxing Day last year.