Man United reveal new update on future of Old Trafford as they step up work on plans to renovate the stadium after setting up Seb Coe-led task force

Manchester United have stepped up work on their stadium plans – and have disclosed more information on how a refurbished Old Trafford would look.

As previously reported, new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are considering two proposals. The preferred option is to build a state-of-the-art new stadium on land next to where United's historic home sits. However, a wide-scale regeneration of Old Trafford, which would initially be a less-expensive project, is also being considered.

And - should officials decide to go down that route - fans could expect a 'new, world-class' South Stand and refurbishment work on all three of the Theatre of Dreams' other stands. The South Stand, known as the Sir Bobby Charlton, is the oldest structure at the ground. United have often explored its expansion but have been hampered by the adjacent railway line. Advances in technology mean that the logistics are no longer the major issue that they once were. A new stand would be likely to feature multiple tiers instead of one and be of a similar height to the other three stands at Old Trafford. Such a move could give a major boost to capacity, which currently sits at around 74,000, with a figure of 90,000 deemed realistic.

A major focus on the refurbishment would also go on increasing the capacity and standard of United's corporate hospitality offerings. Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: 'The first option is to redevelop the current stadium, which would; focus primarily on building a new world-class South Stand, as well as refurbishment of the other three stands.'

She added: 'The alternative would be to build a new stadium on our footprint, which could significantly increase capacity, and deliver a world-leading stadium and experience for fans, the team, and other stakeholders.'

United have set-up a specialist task force, which includes Lord Sebastian Coe, Gary Neville and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, to work on the project, which may include government funding and which would aim to transform the area around the stadium while providing a new national facility in the north.

Meanwhile, this summer will see work carried out on the first-team section of United's Carrington training ground. Last year, focus went on the women's team and academy facilities. However, this time around work will concentrate on enhancing the environment for players and staff to support high performance, as INEOS, led by sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, seek to make their mark.