Manchester United: 'National stadium' task force unveiled

A joint task force has been revealed to examine the options for redeveloping the Old Trafford area of Manchester and a new "national stadium for the north".

It includes Lord Coe, who masterminded the London Olympics, metro mayor Andy Burnham and ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville.

The task force also numbers Trafford Council chief executive Sara Todd, academics and a fans group member.

The group is expected to make recommendations later this year.

Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently outlined his preference to replace Old Trafford with a new-build ground that could be used as a national venue.

The council had welcomed the proposal as part of its plans to regenerate the wider Trafford Wharf area.

Lord Coe said: "I have seen the potential for stadiums to become focal points for strong communities and catalysts for social and economic development.

"That was certainly true of the venues we built in east London for the 2012 Olympics, and we are overdue a project of similar scale and ambition in the north of England."

Mr Burnham said the development of an "iconic stadium" would help attract investment, create jobs and benefit Trafford and communities across the city-region and beyond.

He added: "This bold and exciting vision for the future of Old Trafford and the surrounding area can become another success story for our city-region."

Mr Neville, who is the co-owner of Hotel Football situated close to the ground, said: "While I want the best for Manchester United, I also want the same for the surrounding community."

He added it could become a "catalyst for sustainable, cohesive growth in an area of the city that has been neglected for too long".

An economic impact study will assess the project's potential socio-economic benefits with fans and local residents consulted closely during the process.

Analysis by BBC Sport's chief football news reporter, Simon Stone

The ambition with this Old Trafford development joint task force is for United to have one of the best stadiums in the world.

There is deliberately no club representation on the task force, which is designed to provide arms-length advice but club reps will be part of the meetings.

BBC Sport has been told the Glazer family is fully supportive of the plans.

If a new build is not feasible, the club will move to other options.

Although the London Stadium loses millions, it is felt the regeneration around the Olympic Park is something that could be looked at, with Lord Coe bringing an international dimension to this.

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