How much will Manchester United spend to rebuild Old Trafford?

An economic feasibility assessment commissioned by Manchester United suggests that redeveloping the region around the stadium may boost the country's economy by £7.3 billion ($9.7 billion) a year. On Monday, however, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham declared that no public funds would be allocated to the project.

United is debating whether to renovate the current 74,000-seat Old Trafford or explore a £2 billion proposal for a brand-new stadium with 100,000 seats. Burnham has supported plans to renovate the stadium in conjunction with a "mixed use" community that will include new public transportation hubs, apartment buildings and shopping centres.

According to Oxford Economics, a global consultancy organisation, the revitalisation project might result in an increase of 1.8 million annual tourists, over 17,000 new residences, and 92,000 new jobs. Burnham said, "This could be the biggest regeneration scheme I've ever seen in this country. We hope it's the best football stadium in the world, which brings benefits to residents around it."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British businessman who co-owns United and purchased a minority share in the team earlier this year, is leading the project. Ratcliffe appeared to have ruled out pursuing government aid, despite his early suggestion that he could do so to finance a "Wembley of the north". 

Manchester United not willing to sign Ben Chilwell in January

According to reports, Manchester United has ruled out making a bid for 27-year-old Ben Chilwell of Chelsea during the January transfer window. When Enzo Maresca took over as Chelsea manager in lieu of Mauricio Pochettino, many of the team's stars were demoted to the "bomb squad." Many influential people were driven to act as a result, notably Raheem Sterling, who recently joined Arsenal. Nevertheless, Chilwell's connections to Turkish clubs did not help him locate a new team.

Manchester United is no longer interested in Ben Chilwell, according to a statement by Give Me Sport. A left-back is something the Red Devils were eager to get during the transfer window that begins in January. But in the upcoming months, they won't go on the attack to sign the 27-year-old Chelsea defender who is out of favour.