Man Utd stadium takes major step forward as ambitious plans 'to host final' emerge

Manchester United have revealed that Lord Seb Coe will spearhead the plans for a new 100,000-capacity stadium as the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, announced Lord Coe's appointment on Wednesday as he set out the city's 10-year plan for economic growth.

The 68-year-old led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force as United explored options for the new world-class stadium and will now play a crucial role in the next stage of the process. He is a close friend of the club's part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and has elite credentials, having overseen London's victorious bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

After his unveiling, Lord Coe shared ambitious plans to host the 2035 Women's World Cup final at United's new home.

He said: "I'm delighted that I've been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation.

"Throughout my career, I've seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth.

"That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics - and now, I believe, Greater Manchester's moment has come.

"Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there's huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium.

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"And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women's World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035.

"The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family."

According to the Daily Mail, United consider the hiring of Lord Coe as a major step forward as they plan to move in at the start of the 2030/31 season.

It's claimed that the club have not yet reached an agreement to purchase the Freightliner Terminal, which is on land owned by Brookfield, which has complicated the project.

However, the report adds that Lord Coe could step in and force a compulsory purchase order, which would allow United to build on the site.

"This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy," chief executive Omar Berrada reacted.

"We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive.

"In addition, Lord Coe's proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality."