'I've already seen discussions' - Ex-PL CEO reveals what he has heard about Man United's stadium project

Manchester United could face costs of over £4billion in order to complete their Old Trafford stadium project.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, amid the stadium build being hit with delays.

Man United had hoped the new £100,000 seater stadium would be ready to host matches from the beginning of the 2030-31 season.

It has been over a year since co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe first unveiled the plans, which will also regenerate the local Trafford area.

Latest financial figures reported that Man United are in £1.3billion worth of debt, and that financing the stadium plans may be tougher than first realised.

Man United stadium costs ‘going up’

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the debt will become a “big issue” if Man United need to borrow more money.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has heard that the project could be scaled down to reduce costs.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “The costs are going up. What was announced as potentially a two billion pound project, if this gets delayed from the five years to six years to seven, eight years, we’re looking at almost doubling.

“So you start to look at a much bigger number to be borrowed and therefore that debt becomes a big issue in terms of the borrowing capacity.

“I’ve already seen discussions about scaling down the project, I mean taking off things like the circus tent top, etc. And that may be the way they have to go, is that the whole idea has to be reduced.”

Marcus Rashford to Barcelona update

Sources have told Football Insider that Barcelona could agree another loan deal with Man United for Marcus Rashford at the end of the season.

Barcelona’s financial situation could make agreeing a permanent deal difficult, with Rashford keen to stay at the Spanish club.

Rashford has no plans to return to Old Trafford, and has had a strong season at Barcelona, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 appearances.

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