FC UNITED have been given the go-ahead to build their new stadium.

The non-league club, formed in 2005 in opposition to the Glazer takeover of Manchester United, have drawn up plans for a £3.5million, 5,000-capacity stadium at the Ten Acre Lane sports centre in Newton Heath.

The club’s business plan was approved by Manchester City Council, which owns the site, and will now go out for consultation with the local community. It would mean a move away from Bury’s Gigg Lane ground.

FC have raised £500,000 towards the financing of the ground through shares investment and from the £113,000 they have already banked from their FA Cup run.

The Rebels have endured a difficult few days on the field, losing 1-0 to Northwich Victoria on Saturday and 3-1 to Colwyn Bay on Tuesday. Andy Fowler’s second-half strike proved the difference against Vics before Bay came from behind to win 3-1.

Mike Norton opened the scoring for Karl Marginson’s men but former Bury striker Jon Newby, Damien Allen and Karl Noone struck for the Welsh side.

The Rebels host Hinckley United in the FA Trophy on Saturday and visit Ashton United in the Challenge Cup on Monday.

They are back in FA Cup action a week on Saturday with a second round trip to League One promotion hopefuls Brighton.