Ex-PL CEO slams Andy Burnham as 'issues' remain with Man United stadium project
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Keith Wyness explains what he ‘knows’ about Man United’s new stadium and ‘big hero’ Andy Burnham Sun 5 April 2026 7:30, UK Manchester United’s stadium plan can not go ahead until they have resolved a dispute over land acquisition.That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is not doing enough to help the club.Man United’s 100,000-seater stadium build can not go ahead until they have bought nearby land owned by Freightliner.Freightliner value the land at £400million, and Burnham has stated he would use powers to force the sale of the land if required.Man United’s stadium project is only increasing in costs due to the delay, with the build set to exceed £2billion. 💰 Man United Finance Update 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, Ineos investment, and the latest Old Trafford redevelopment news. VISIT THE FINANCE HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Man United at a ‘loose end’ with stadium planEverton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Man United’s rising debt is the biggest hurdle the club need to overcome to finance the project.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness says there is “no real action” currently happening to get the build started.Turnover£666.5mMatchday Revenue£160.3mBroadcast Revenue£172.9mFigures based on Manchester United 2025 Annual Accounts He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There are still issues around the land acquisition and I know Freightliner apparently is still sticking out for more money and that’s not resolved yet.“They claim that they’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes with the politicians.
Well, Andy Burnham was supposed to be the big hero here to try and help them but he almost left to become an MP recently. “So there are a lot of loose ends here, and again no real action that we’re seeing.
They’re saying it’s all being done behind the scenes, but I’m afraid the debt is also rising behind the scenes and that’s the biggest red flashing light I can see.”Man United face missing out on Elliot AndersonFormer scout at Old Trafford Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man United’s financial situation puts them behind Manchester City in pursuit of Elliot Anderson.Nottingham Forest’s £100m price tag on Anderson will put Man City ahead in the race due to their stronger financial position.Man United may have to look at cheaper and alternative targets, though a return to the Champions League will help attract players. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.