Jamie Carragher jokingly demands government investment for ‘northern powerhouses’ Everton and Liverpool after Manchester United appoint taskforce for new stadium plans led by Lord Coe

Jamie Carragher has asked for government money to help Liverpool and Everton following Sebastian Coe’s involvement in the Old Trafford redevelopment.

Jim Ratcliffe has revealed plans to create a joint working group that will explore options to regenerate the Old Trafford area, with a state-of-the-art stadium at its centre.

It will be headed by IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe and will include former United defender Gary Neville.

But Carragher, Neville’s partner at Sky Sports, has taken umbrage with Coe’s links to the government and Ratcliffe’s suggestion that the club could receive public money to build a new stadium as an alternative north of Wembley.

The former Liverpool defender believes the two Merseyside clubs should be beneficiaries of government funding before United, and posted a message on his X account to make this clear.

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Carragher wrote; ‘A task force led by Seb Coe! I wonder why Man Utd chose a man with links to the government.

“If people want to talk about a northern power that helps football clubs and not just those in Manchester, let’s start by helping Everton finish their stadium and pay for Liverpool’s new stands!”

The construction of Everton’s new home on the city’s dock has been a huge expense for the club, both on and off the pitch.

A new modern stadium was considered as a way to eventually increase the club’s income, but interest payments on the project have contributed to the Toffees’ profit and sustainability breaches.

It is those breaches that saw Everton docked ten points by the Premier League earlier in the season, and although that has since been reduced to six points on appeal, it could rise further with a second charge hanging over their heads.

United’s new plans are likely to include a new interactive museum and a 5-star hotel and those involved believe a new stadium would set new standards for energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Rejuvenation of the area would improve transportation hubs, amenities and could also include mixed-income housing and an educational institution.

Ratcliffe had already indicated that building a new stadium from scratch would make more sense than rebuilding the existing ground.

However, United have promised the club will not move away from its traditional headquarters but back Ratcliffe’s vision following its £1.3bn investment.