Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has lambasted Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves for her “pathetic” response regarding government contributions to Manchester United’s stadium redevelopment project.
Borson criticised Reeves’ inability to provide clear answers about the government’s role in the Old Trafford renovation.
“She just didn’t know, and her answer was pathetic,” Borson told Football Insider.
She just said ‘That’s Andy Burnam’s project as Mayor of Manchester’. I don’t really understand that.”
Rachel Reeves has been lambasted for her response to questions over Old Trafford
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The comments come just minutes after Reeves faced questions about the specifics of government support for the ambitious development scheme.
The Treasury issued a statement on 25 January backing the Old Trafford renovation project as “a shining example” of government plans to promote economic growth.
The development aims to transform the Old Trafford area, with Manchester United’s world-class stadium serving as the centrepiece of the regeneration scheme.
Whilst the Premier League club will bear financial responsibility for the stadium portion, government support is expected to facilitate broader regeneration efforts.
Speaking on 29 January, Reeves expressed support for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s plans for the Old Trafford redevelopment, though she failed to outline specific details of government involvement.
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Borson clarified that public funding for the actual stadium construction was not feasible.
“I suspect the reality is that, from an optics perspective and a public-facing perspective, there is no possibility that they can pay for any part of the stadium,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged potential government support for surrounding infrastructure developments.
“They can pay for the infrastructure around it and I think that will be good for that part of Manchester,” Borson said.
Old Trafford is set for major redevelopment plans under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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The project includes plans for 15,000 new homes and improved communications infrastructure.
“All of that is positive,” Borson added, referring to the facilities needed to support the new residential developments.
However, Borson warned the project could face resistance from other northern regions.
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“The idea that it’s some kind of gift to the north of England is going to upset lots of people in the north because it’s just not going to be seen in that way,” he stated.
The former adviser dismissed suggestions of the development becoming a northern equivalent to Wembley.
“It’s not the Wembley of the north because, frankly, nobody outside of Manchester will care that there is a new stadium in Manchester,” he said.
“Newcastle and Liverpool fans and people are not going to be delighted that investment has gone into that part of Manchester. It doesn’t really help them.”