Football news - Tottenham suffer fresh stadium blow as Manchester United fixture is moved to Wembley

The grand opening of the new 62,000-seater ground on the site of White Hart Lane was scheduled for the start of the season in August, but a series of delays meant it was pushed back until at least January.

Spurs had earmarked the fixture against Jose Mourinho's side as the first to take place at their new stadium, but the move-in date has yet again been put back after issues to the critical safety systems.

The club's new £1billion White Hart Lane is close to completion, but a statement was issued on Wednesday to confirm that it will not be until at least the visit of Watford on January 30 before they leave Wembley. A full status report from contractors will be released on January 7.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: “We are acutely conscious that we are asking fans to go to Wembley for far longer than any of us wanted to. However we are now seeing the progress that we needed to see.

“What I don’t want to do is set any firm dates until we have finally achieved a safety certificate.

“It is important, however, to recognise the sheer complexity of the scheme. It will be one of the first fully-integrated digital stadiums and will also be required to meet the latest and most stringent safety regulations.

“Once again I want to apologise to fans and to thank you for your ongoing support. We have a busy time ahead both on and off the pitch, particularly after last night’s amazing qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. What a memorable night. I should also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families well over the festive break.”

Spurs do have an option of playing all their remaining home games of the season at Wembley as a contingency.

However, many supporters have grown tired of travelling to the national stadium and Spurs recorded their lowest attendance for a Premier League game there, 33,012, against Southampton last week.

The Champions League knock-out stages start in February, and Spurs fans will be determined to move in by then after being ridiculed by supporters of other London clubs for a poster which claimed the new stadium would be the only place in the capital where football from Europe's premier club competition could be watched this season.