Manchester United announced on Tuesday its intention to construct a new 100,000-capacity stadium, which co-owner Jim Ratcliffe described as poised to become the “world’s greatest” football venue.
The English club side revealed that the stadium, along with a broader regeneration initiative, could contribute an extra £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) annually to the UK economy.
The new 100,000-seater stadium will serve as the focal point of the Old Trafford regeneration project. Photo: @ManUtd/X
The Premier League club’s decision followed an extensive consultation process, weighing whether to redevelop their iconic Old Trafford stadium or build a new one nearby, in collaboration with the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.
United has now confirmed its “plan to pursue a new 100,000-seater stadium as the centrepiece of the Old Trafford area’s regeneration.”
The club aims to complete the new stadium within five years.
On Tuesday, scaled models and conceptual images showcasing the potential design of the new Old Trafford and its surroundings were unveiled at the London headquarters of Foster + Partners, the architects appointed in September to design the stadium district.
“Today marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey towards delivering what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the heart of a regenerated Old Trafford,” Ratcliffe stated.
“Our current stadium has served us exceptionally well for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the leading arenas in global sport.”
Ratcliffe emphasised that by building adjacent to the existing site, the club would “preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience, just steps away from our historic home.”
The club highlighted that the stadium and the broader regeneration project could generate an additional £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) annually for the UK economy, potentially creating 92,000 new jobs.
The move to a new stadium has received support from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who secured 13 Premier League titles during his 26-year tenure.
“Manchester United should always strive for excellence in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in,” Ferguson remarked.
“Old Trafford holds countless special memories for me personally, but we must be bold and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”
Sebastian Coe, chair of the task force, noted that Tuesday’s announcement “marks a significant step forward in what I firmly believe can be the largest and most exciting urban regeneration project in the UK since the 2012 London Olympics.”
United aims to complete the stadium within five years, with certain sections to be constructed off-site and transported via the Manchester Ship Canal.
The exact start date for construction remains unclear.
Regarding funding, chief executive Omar Berrada added: “It’s a highly attractive investment opportunity, so we’re confident we’ll find a way to finance the stadium.”
Discussion about this post