Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are behind plans for a new university designed to combine sport, education and wellbeing.

The teammates, whose business is called Class of ‘92, approached Lancaster University and Trafford Council to help them develop the concept, called University Academy 92 (UA92), which will deliver degrees in business, media and sport.

Speaking at the project launch, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said: “Our aim is that UA92 graduates would leave with an academic qualification, of course, but also with a range of other skills such as how to deal with pressure, understand finance, leadership and presentational skills, and also how to maintain a healthy body and mind. In other words, the complete package you need to succeed in the workplace.”

Other project partners include Microsoft, property services firm Bruntwood and Trafford College, with Manchester United and Lancashire County Cricket Club also declaring their support.

Trafford Council will now commence masterplanning as part of a three-month public consultation period which includes details for a new campus and student accommodation.

A statement from Lancaster University said: “UA92 will be a catalyst to wider benefits for the local community which include skills development, new employment opportunities, the rejuvenation of Stretford town centre, development of a new leisure centre for Stretford, the opportunity to engage in sports and healthy living, supporting our physical activity ambitions and helping to reduce demand on the health and social care economy.”

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