Manchester United's vision for a widescale regeneration of the Old Trafford area around a new stadium has moved a step forward with Trafford Council appointing a consortium to develop a master plan.
Last month United announced their ambition to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium next to their existing Old Trafford home as part of a wider redevelopment of the Trafford Wharfside area, with the plans also including the construction of new homes and amenities.
United are yet to announce a funding model for their planned stadium - estimated to cost £2billion - but Trafford Council is pushing ahead on its side of the project with the appointment of architects Allies and Morrison to work on a master plan for the surrounding area.
The council said the new consortium would work alongside United, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and a proposed Mayoral Development Corporation to maximise the opportunities presented by the stadium.
Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford Council's executive member for economy and regeneration, said: "The Old Trafford Regeneration is one of the biggest growth opportunities in the country and will be fantastic for our borough.
"New homes, new neighbourhoods, new businesses, new jobs, new green spaces and new community facilities - all within walking distance of public transport.
"A lot of publicity has been about Manchester United's new stadium - this regeneration will complement those plans, and our master plan will be central to shaping the future of this area.
"We are delighted to be starting the master planning in earnest and look forward to working with the project team to deliver a comprehensive vision for the neighbourhood."
Meanwhile Kobbie Mainoo trained with his Manchester United team-mates ahead of the Europa League quarter-final at Lyon as the midfielder prepares to return from his two-month lay-off.
The homegrown 19-year-old has been absent since picking up a muscular issue in training in the days after his most recent appearance against Leicester in the FA Cup on February 7.
Mainoo trained with the group in the opening section of the session at Carrington on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen whether he is part of the squad that travels to France for the quarter-final first leg.
United defender Matthijs de Ligt was conspicuous by his absence from training having missed Sunday's 0-0 derby draw at home to Manchester City.
