Manchester United are preparing for a significant clash with the Football Association, as their ambitious plans for a new £2billion stadium put them in direct competition with Wembley for the right to host the 2035 Women's World Cup final.
The Battle for the Final
The Red Devils unveiled a bold proposal earlier this year to construct a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater arena, intended to replace the iconic Old Trafford which has been the club's home since 1910. This new stadium forms the centrepiece of a wider regeneration project for the local area.
Club chiefs are now intensifying their lobbying efforts amid concerns that Wembley Stadium could be chosen once again for the showpiece event. The Daily Mail reports that crunch talks are scheduled with both the FA and FIFA to present United's case.
A Northern Powerhouse Vision
United's position is understood to be that by 2035, their new ground would be better-suited to hosting major events than the national stadium. They also argue that not every final should be automatically awarded to London, advocating for greater regional balance in hosting prestigious matches.
This vision aligns perfectly with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's frequently stated ambition to create what he describes as the 'Wembley of the North'. In a 2024 interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe made his case compellingly: "There's a very good case, in my view, for having a stadium of the North, which would serve the northern part of the country in that arena of football."
He further emphasised the regional disparity, noting: "If you look at the number of Champions League [trophies] the North West has won, it's 10. London has won two. And yet everybody from the North has to get down to London to watch a big football match."
Regeneration and Wider Benefits
The project extends far beyond football, with Ratcliffe highlighting the potential for urban regeneration. He described the southern part of Manchester as "the sort of second capital of the country where the Industrial Revolution began", arguing that a world-class stadium would provide the necessary impetus to regenerate the entire region.
This broader vision was echoed by United's Chief Operating Officer, Collette Roche, following Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's announcement of the region's 'Growth Plan'. The comprehensive project includes plans for 15,000 new homes alongside the stadium redevelopment.
Roche confirmed the club's ambitions, stating: "We want to build the world’s best football stadium as a new home for Manchester United and a venue fit for the biggest international events, including the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup, surrounded by a vibrant business, leisure and residential district served by excellent transport links."
The stage is set for a fascinating tussle between one of football's most famous clubs and the game's governing bodies, with the outcome potentially reshaping how major sporting events are distributed across the United Kingdom for generations to come.
