Manchester United issue update on Old Trafford redevelopment plans and confirm timescales

Manchester United believe redeveloping Old Trafford is possible but work on major improvements to the stadium are likely to be two years away still, with the project also facing major challenges.

United have been working with master planners Populous and business planning consultant Legends on feasibility work to improve Old Trafford.

So far that work has looked at redeveloping Old Trafford and while the conclusion is that it's possible, United admit there are "significant challenges" to it.

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As part of the initial phase of the plans, the planners will now look at alternative options, which is likely to include building a new stadium on the existing Old Trafford site, with the club owning plenty of land to make that a potential course of action.

Collette Roche, United's chief operating officer, told the latest fans' forum: "Findings so far show that it is possible to redevelop Old Trafford to take it to the next level, but there are significant challenges in terms of complexity, timing, cost, and disruption, not least because of the inherent constraints around our site, including proximity to the adjacent railway line, canal, public access routes and housing. In short, it’s possible but not easy.

"Further work is required to finalise this phase, including refinement of existing options and exploration of potential alternatives. Once we have landed on our preferred option, we will then be able to move to phase two, which will comprise more detailed design work, further stakeholder engagement and detailed technical feasibility studies."

United are continuing to work with Legends and Populous to finalise their preferred option before they move on to phase