Man United take major step closer to 100,000-seat new super-stadium and DEMOLISHING Old Trafford after task force uncovered capacity limit

The prospect of a new, 100,000-capacity Old Trafford – and the demolition of Manchester United’s historic home – has taken a major step forward after a task force delivered its recommendations.

And Mail Sport understands that key figures at the Premier League giants are hopeful that enabling work could start on the project before the end of this year.

The group, which includes Gary Neville, Andy Burnham and Lord Coe, were charged with examining whether United should refurbish Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art replacement on adjoining land.

It can now be revealed that they have found that a redevelopment of the existing stadium, which has stood in place since 1910, would be limited to 87,000, – whereas a world-leading new venue would maximise potential and serve as the centrepiece of one of the biggest regeneration projects Britain has ever seen.

While all options remain on the table, United officials will now focus their energies on a 100,000 newbuild.

A farewell to Old Trafford – and a significant moment in British sporting history – now looks increasingly likely.

Man United and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will focus their energies on a 100,000 newbuild

A final decision will be made before the end of the season.

The task force was set up following Ratcliffe’s arrival and charged with carrying out a feasibility study around a new build or a refurbishment.

It has found that while redevelopment and rebuild would both ‘deliver transformative benefits’, a new stadium would see those benefits ‘amplified’.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham described the proposals as offering ‘the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012’.

‘They are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester,’ he added.