Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of the soccer club, framed plans for the 100,000-seat venue as crucial to the British government’s plan to revive the northern English city.

Ratcliffe, who is one of Britain's richest people, said the new soccer venue could be a tourist attraction in the manner of the Eiffel Tower.

Manchester United may be experiencing one of the most chastening seasons in its recent history, but the club is planning for a much brighter future.