Manchester United has pledged its commitment to the UK Government’s growth agenda by unveiling plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium at the heart of the Old Trafford regeneration project.
This ambitious development, alongside the wider regeneration efforts, is expected to contribute an estimated £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy. The project aims to deliver substantial social and economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 92,000 jobs, 17,000 new homes, and an additional 1.8 million visitors each year.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey towards creating the world’s greatest football stadium, set within a revitalised Old Trafford.
“Our current stadium has been an iconic part of our history for 115 years, but it has fallen behind the leading venues in global sport. By constructing a new stadium adjacent to the existing site, we can preserve the legacy of Old Trafford while offering a world-class fan experience just steps away from our historic home.
“Beyond football, this project represents an opportunity to drive economic and social regeneration in the area. The Government has prioritised infrastructure investment, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to align with that vision through this transformative initiative.”
Manchester United’s Chief Executive, Omar Berrada, reinforced the club’s long-term ambitions: “Our goal is to have the best football team playing in the best stadium in the world. We appreciate the feasibility work undertaken by the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force and have carefully considered the insights from thousands of fans and local residents.
“After thorough evaluation, we believe a new stadium is the right path forward for both Manchester United and the surrounding community. We are committed to ongoing consultation to ensure fans and local residents have a voice as we progress towards final decisions.”
Renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners has been appointed to design the stadium district, unveiling conceptual images and scaled models that outline the masterplan for the next phases of feasibility studies, consultation, and planning.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful manager in English football history, emphasized the importance of the project: “Manchester United should always strive for excellence both on and off the pitch, and our stadium should reflect that ambition. While Old Trafford holds countless cherished memories, we must embrace this opportunity to build a new home that honors our past while shaping our future.”
Lord Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, highlighted the project’s visionary approach: “This is one of the most exciting projects in the world today, with immense regional and national significance. The design prioritises the fan experience, bringing them closer to the pitch while cultivating an electrifying atmosphere.
“The stadium is encapsulated by a vast canopy that harnesses energy and rainwater, sheltering a vibrant public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square. It is the centrepiece of a sustainable district designed for walkability, public transport accessibility, and environmental harmony—a dynamic hub that will shape the future of Manchester and beyond.”
Manchester United’s vision for Old Trafford signals a bold new era, combining world-class sporting excellence with transformative urban regeneration.
