Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has suggested that Manchester United aims to replicate Manchester City’s success in the city following their announcement to redevelop the Trafford Wharfside area.
In a recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now leads a football consultancy advising top clubs – noted that the Red Devils are “late to the party,” as City’s influence is already well-established in Manchester. On Monday, 9 September, Manchester United revealed that they have formed a strategic partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Their goal is to “create an ambitious vision for the Old Trafford area, focusing on how a top-tier stadium can drive broader regeneration.”
United plans to replace their current stadium with a new 100,000-seat venue.
In contrast, Manchester City has already revitalized the area around the Etihad Stadium, which was initially the site of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Keith Wyness, Everton’s former chief, recently commented on Manchester United’s plans to redevelop the Trafford Wharfside area, suggesting that the club is attempting to replicate Manchester City’s success in the city. Wyness, speaking on the *Football Insider*’s *Inside Track* podcast, noted that United are “late to the party” in terms of urban regeneration. Manchester City has already established a significant influence in the local area, having revitalized the space around the Etihad Stadium, which was originally developed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
On 9 September, Manchester United announced a strategic partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The collaboration aims to deliver an ambitious vision for the Old Trafford area, positioning a new 100,000-seat stadium as a catalyst for broader regeneration efforts. United’s initiative mirrors Manchester City’s transformation of their own surroundings but faces the challenge of competing with the already substantial impact City has made in Manchester.
