Source:REUTERS/Toby Melville
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Manchester United’s plan to build a new 100,000-seater stadium has suffered another setback, as the government will not provide funding for this project in the budget plan announced this month. Reports state that the UK Treasury will not allocate any funds for the construction of this project. Since the beginning of this year, Manchester United’s request for government funding has seen no progress. Although Treasury officials have held discussions with the Combined Authority regarding the vision for regeneration and housing construction in the Manchester area, no formal contact has been made with either Manchester United or the local government council where the new stadium is planned. Manchester United has clearly stated that it will not seek public funds for the construction of this stadium, estimated to cost between £2 billion and £3 billion, but broader regional regeneration work still requires government financial support. It is understood that Manchester United has accepted the reality of the failed lobbying effort for government funds and is currently focusing on seeking potential funds at the regional level through the “Old Trafford Redevelopment Mayor Development Corporation.” Another reason for the delay is that Manchester United has so far been unable to purchase the railway freight station adjacent to Old Trafford, which is essential land for starting construction. Manchester United’s offer for this land is approximately £50 million, but the freight company Freightliner, which owns and operates the station, is demanding £400 million, causing the negotiations to reach a stalemate.