Old Trafford will not receive Government funding for ‘sporting elements’

According to a senior minister, the Government has confirmed that Old Trafford will not receive funding for any “sporting elements.”

The news on Monday, 27 January that the UK government had backed the Old Trafford project.

Speaking on behalf of Chancellor Rachel Reeves in a statement, “She is championing a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester.” Crucially, however, the government is only planning to help with the surrounding projects, not the stadium itself. The government is also yet to lay down any sort of real terms funding plan.

Government clarification on Old Trafford project

The news was met with a lot of backlash from rival fans, especially with Everton, Newcastle, Spurs and many more questioning why the Government was willing to single out old Manchester United for help.

Now, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has clarified the position, “We are not funding any of the sporting elements of that, but of course, the wider area, transport, housing, we want to work with local areas to deliver that with our trailblazing mayors like Andy, and this is, again, an example of the kind of big ambition this Government is willing to show to deliver on that plan for change.”

Reynolds did go on to confirm the Chancellor's comments on the wider project, however, “We are going to work with the Mayor, Andy Burnham, who is a trailblazer for these kinds of projects, really showing what local economic leadership can be. We’ve got a whole range of tools, whether that’s our National Wealth Fund to partner with industry, putting money into local areas, the planning changes that will allow these things to happen specifically.”

However, the project still faces major issues, with three freight train terminals located next to the site still stopping the outward expansion of Old Trafford. The plans for the area, which encompass new housing along with commercial and public spaces, are projected to generate over £7 billion annually for the UK economy and create approximately 90,000 new jobs.

FGG says: Manchester United shouldn't need help

It's a weird situation when you look at the wider picture. Jim Ratcliffe's comments make it clear that he has no interest in the club paying for the work to Old Trafford themselves, yet they'll happily reap the rewards when it is built. Manchester is an important city in the UK, and for England, it's probably the second city. However, when it comes to football clubs and getting government support, you either help everyone or no one.

Manchester United are in the top 5 highest earning clubs in the world, and if they want to expand Old Trafford and maintain their place as the highest capacity in the UK, they can open up the chequebook and pay for it like everyone else.

With a level of favouritism already seen by many to Manchester United, direct government backing of any project was never going to sit well. For now, at least, anger can be put elsewhere, though for many, Manchester United will likely push again for backing from external sources to get the project done in some form.