Man Utd free to build new stadium after ‘exciting’ talks between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Mayor of Greater Manchester

have been given the green light to build a new stadium or refurbish Old Trafford by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Burnham recently held ‘exciting’ talks with after the billionaire .

The CEO and one issue he needs to resolve is the state of the club’s home ground.

Old Trafford’s problems are well-documented amid reports of a leaking roof, cramped concourses, inadequate legroom, crumbling concrete, flaking paintwork and a lack of space to expand capacity.

But that could be all set to change as Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester: ‘We are absolutely standing behind the club.

‘Whatever it is they want, we will facilitate and we will be there to make sure the club is set up for the future.

‘There is exciting potential here. I am talking to the club and I may be seeing them next week as well.

‘Sir Jim Ratcliffe has really brought a lot of energy to the situation. Sir Dave Brailsford is a brilliant person.

[He is] the architect of the success of British cycling over the last couple of decades and the velodrome in Manchester.

‘We’re really backing the club. We’re not trying to steer them anywhere, we are just saying whatever you decide, if it’s refurbishing Old Trafford or building a new ground, we will stand behind the club and make sure the plan works.’