United’s Project to Create 92,000 Jobs, £730 Million Economic Boost

Manchester United, the most successful club in English football's top league, boasts supporters in nearly every country worldwide. However, it has become increasingly difficult to find the old United on the pitch, as the club has been experiencing more failures than successes lately. Yet, when it comes to finances, United consistently ranks at the top. With this financial strength, the club is planning significant renovation work at Old Trafford Stadium and the surrounding area.

Once these renovations are completed, Old Trafford is expected to contribute approximately £730 million, or nearly 116.5 billion Taka, to the British economy each year, according to the club's appointed economic feasibility committee.

However, despite this potential economic impact, Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham announced on Monday that not a penny from the government's funds will be allocated to the stadium renovation project.

The plans extend beyond just a new stadium; there are also proposals for development in the surrounding area, which would include apartment blocks, shopping centres, and a new public transport station. The renovation plan suggests spending £200 million solely on demolishing Old Trafford to construct a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 spectators, compared to the current capacity of 74,000.

While the mayor announced that no financial support would be provided, Burnham has given the green light for United to proceed with its "ambitious" plans. These plans encompass not only a new stadium but also the improvement of the surrounding area.

According to Oxford Economics, a global consulting firm, the implementation of United’s new project will create 92,000 new job opportunities, generate around 17,000 new homes, and attract an additional 1.8 million tourists to Manchester each year.

Mayor Burnham stated that this is the largest renovation project in Britain's history, remarking, "This is the biggest renovation project I have seen in this country. We hope it will be the best football stadium in the world, benefiting the local residents."

The initiative for the Old Trafford renovation has been undertaken by one of United’s owners, Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire who purchased a stake in the club earlier this year. Ratcliffe had hoped to receive financial assistance from the government for this project, but, according to the Mayor of Manchester, that hope has been dashed for now.

However, it is clear that United is not resting on its laurels. Just last week, the club appointed the world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners to design the new project.