More delays at Man Utd: Old Trafford demolition decision pushed back as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'Wembley of the north' plans continue to split generations of supporters

The Red Devils have decided to delay a decision on the future of Old Trafford until after the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham's budget in March. The club also want to explore more funding options and will therefore not make a final call on whether to demolish the famous old ground and build a new home or redevelop the stadium until the summer, according to The Telegraph. The Red Devils were initially expected to renovate Old Trafford but have also drawn up plans to knock the ground down and build a new £2 billion ($2.5bn) 'Wembley of the North' 100,000-seater stadium. If Manchester United do go ahead with plans to build a new stadium they will likely have to buy surrounding land that is currently occupied by a large rail freight terminal.

Manchester United fans remain divided over the best way forward for Old Trafford. A recent survey sent to half-a-million supporters revealed that 52% of fans were open to a new stadium., while 31% would prefer Old Trafford to be redeveloped and 17% were not sure of which way to go. The results of the survey also revealed that it's the club's younger supporters who want the club to stay, while older fans would rather the club build a new stadium.

Manchester United are currently holding consultations with fans to provide supporters with further information and hear opinions. Former defender Gary Neville is also part of a stadium 'taskforce' with Burnham which has been charged with exploring regeneration options and is due to deliver a report by the end of the year.

Manchester United fans will fill Old Trafford again twice this week. The Red Devils take on PAOK at home in the Europa League on Thursday and then host Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday. The two games are Ruud van Nistelrooy's final matches as interim boss before new head coach Ruben Amorim takes over.