Manchester United have unveiled bold plans to replace Old Trafford with a new 100,000-seater stadium, aiming to move in by the start of the 2030-31 season. After weighing the option of redeveloping their current ground, the club has decided to build a new venue in the same location.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe described the project as “the start of an incredibly exciting journey” to deliver what will be “the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.” Architects Foster + Partners revealed concept images of the new stadium, which will be constructed using 160 pre-fabricated sections. This innovative approach is expected to reduce the build time to just five years.
When asked if United are targeting the 2030-31 season for the new stadium’s opening, CEO Omar Berrada confirmed, “Yes.” The project, which is expected to cost around £2 billion, will include the stadium, fan zones, and a megastore. Berrada assured that the club would not seek taxpayer money for the construction but emphasized that the new stadium would be part of a larger regeneration effort in the area.
“All the options are open” regarding how to finance the project, including stadium naming rights, Berrada stated. However, he acknowledged that it was still early in the process and the club could not yet speculate on funding details. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the new stadium, as part of a wider regeneration project, would present an attractive investment opportunity and ultimately secure the necessary financing.
The announcement of the new stadium comes after Ratcliffe highlighted United’s recent cost-cutting measures, which were seen as vital to prevent the club from running out of money by Christmas. Berrada explained, “What you heard yesterday was about the need to do a course adjustment. The way the club was tracking, with all the losses that have been accumulated – more than £300 million in the last five years – was not sustainable.” The ambitious stadium plan marks a significant shift in the club’s financial strategy as they look to secure their future and revitalise the surrounding area.