Ratcliffe favours new 100,000-seat stadium as Manchester United decision looms

• Minority shareholder wants decision taken by December
• New build would cost £2bn-plus and take about six years

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to decide on their stadium plans by December and favours a new facility with a capacity of 100,000 that would cost more than £2bn and take about six years to complete. That would be constructed next to Old Trafford, allowing the use of the existing venue until the new one is ready.

A prime consideration in the build’s aesthetic would be that it is recognisably in the club’s image. The other option is a rebuild of Old Trafford but this would mean a marked drop in revenue because sections of the ground would be closed while being revamped or United would have to play elsewhere while work is taking place.