Gary Neville says ‘commercial aspects’ are likely to determine the future of Manchester United’s plans for Old Trafford.
The former United captain has been named on a task force, alongside Lord Coe and Andy Burnham, set-up by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to look into plans for the stadium’s future.
United have long been adamant that they would rather remain at their current ground, and have looked into the possibility of extending the south stand.
However, the railway line behind the Sir Bobby Charlton stand makes doing so difficult and Ratcliffe has issued his preference for building a new stadium.
It is part of Neville’s role to determine the feasibility of either option but with a new build priced at around £2bn compared to a renovation of around £1bn, the former England right-back says the club’s finances will inevitably come into the equation.
‘I think everyone knows that it’s one of two options; either renovate and refurbish the existing Old Trafford or develop a brand new stadium next to Old Trafford,’ Neville told Sky Sports.
‘No one knows the answer to that because to be fair the one thing I won’t do is disrespect…what are the costs? What is the feasibility? what are the possibilities? what are the restrictions? All the things that come into play. Where would United play while they are refurbishing their own ground.
‘I know other clubs like Real Madrid have done it but every stadium is different. Every structural solution is different. Until you get into the meat of the work and see what is really brought forward then I don’t think anyone has the answer.
‘That’s the reason that the group has been set-up, to help answer some of those questions. The work that goes on and the findings of the work that goes down [will help form a decision], but it will also come down to the commercial aspect of what will be afforded. We know that a new stadium – well, a refurbishment costs a lot of money – but a brand new stadium costs more. Those are the questions that need answering in the next few months.’
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