Manchester United unveil plans for new 100,000-seat stadium

Manchester United have unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium, which co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has vowed will be the “world’s greatest” football venue.

The club has been weighing options between renovating Old Trafford or constructing a brand-new stadium in the same area. On Tuesday, United confirmed their decision to pursue a new ground as the centrepiece of a broader regeneration project for the Old Trafford district, aligning with the UK government’s economic growth agenda.

Conceptual designs and scale models of the proposed stadium and its surroundings were showcased at the London headquarters of architects Foster + Partners, who were appointed in September to lead the project.

Ratcliffe emphasized the club’s vision of preserving Old Trafford’s legacy while delivering a cutting-edge arena that enhances the fan experience. “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for 115 years, but it has fallen behind the world’s best sporting venues. This new project will create a state-of-the-art home just footsteps from our historic ground,” he said.

United estimate that the new stadium and the wider redevelopment project could contribute an additional £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) annually to the UK economy, with the potential to generate 92,000 new jobs.

Legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has endorsed the ambitious plan, calling it a necessary step for the club’s future. “Manchester United should always aim for the best in everything, including the stadium we play in,” Ferguson stated. “Old Trafford holds countless memories for me, but we must be bold and build a modern home where new history can be made.”

Sebastian Coe, who chaired the project’s task force, hailed the initiative as the “biggest and most exciting urban regeneration project in the UK since the 2012 London Olympics.”

United aim to complete the stadium within five years, utilizing off-site construction methods to transport pre-built sections via the Manchester Ship Canal. However, a definitive start date remains unclear.

On the financial front, United’s chief executive Omar Berrada expressed confidence in securing investment, stating, “It’s a very attractive investment opportunity, and we are confident we will find a way to finance the stadium.”