Multiple sources have told Sport only the government can alter the multi-billion pound masterplan, regardless of which party Burnham’s successor as mayor comes from.
“Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development,” said Collette Roche, Manchester United’s new stadium development chief executive.
“Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans. We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.
“This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions. Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical.”
While some sceptics have questioned whether Ratcliffe’s vision – dubbed a circus tent by some – would become reality, United officials have remained confident.
However, they have refused to say how much the land has cost, or where the money has come from.
The club confirmed on 12 June they had secured $550m (£415.35m) of funding to settle $425m (£320.95m) worth of bonds that were due to expire in June 2027.
It is not known whether any of that extra capital has been used in this transaction.
United confirmed they have acquired the land from Indurent, a leading provider of industrial space and a Blackstone portfolio company, but have not said whether it is the same land in the Trafford Park area that Blackstone were reported to have spent between £275-280m on in 2023.
United believe their chosen site will offer greater opportunity for stops on the city’s Metrolink system and, also, the wider rail network, which will help ferry supporters to what would become England’s biggest stadium.
How the plans fit into the wider MDC should be known on 9 July, when the draft masterplan for the area is unveiled at Old Trafford.