Manchester United have insisted their proposed new 100,000-capacity stadium is 'a sanity, not vanity project', despite acknowledging it may lead to further debt being loaded on the club. The plans, unveiled on Thursday, show the stadium would be built 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford. The club currently carries approximately £1.3bn in debt, and in March 2025 chief executive Omar Berrada estimated the working cost at £2bn.
Collette Roche, chief executive of the stadium project, said funding options include debt, equity, shares, and other investors. She noted that the club has received many approaches from potential investors wanting to be part of the project. Roche emphasised the need for disciplined cost control, referencing the successful delivery of the Carrington training ground development within budget.
Roche stated that selling naming rights for the stadium is a potential revenue stream to help keep ticket prices affordable. She acknowledged fan concerns about additional debt but argued that a larger stadium is necessary as many supporters cannot currently attend matches. She said any borrowing would be sensible and generate future income for the club.
The proposed design has drawn criticism, with some comparing it to a circus tent. Roche said the design is not final and will go through a consultation process. The stadium plans are part of the draft Wharfside strategic master plan for the wider area, which Trafford Council's executive committee will decide on 20 July. If approved, an eight-week consultation begins 28 July. Roche reiterated the target for the new stadium to open by 2035.
