Manchester United have confirmed plans to demolish Old Trafford and build a new 100,000-seater stadium on the existing site, with designs by architect Norman Foster's firm Foster + Partners. The project is estimated to cost around £2 billion and is part of a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
The club says the new stadium and surrounding development could deliver an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy, create up to 92,000 jobs, and more than 17,000 new homes, while attracting an extra 1.8 million visitors annually. The next stage involves detailed feasibility, consultation, design, and planning work.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, described the project as 'an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world's greatest football stadium'. He added that the current stadium has 'fallen behind the best arenas in world sport' and that building next to the existing site will preserve its essence while creating a state-of-the-art fan experience.
Chief executive Omar Berrada said the club's long-term objective is to have the world's best team playing in the world's best stadium. Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson backed the plan, urging the club to 'be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future'.
Lord Norman Foster described the project as 'one of the most exciting in the world today', noting that the stadium will be contained by a giant umbrella that shelters a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square. The design aims to bring fans closer to the pitch and create a sustainable, walkable district.
Lord Sebastian Coe, chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, called the announcement an important step forward. The project is part of the Government's growth agenda and is expected to drive social and economic renewal in the area.
