Manchester United's ambitious project to construct a new 100,000-seat stadium has received a significant endorsement, being placed at the core of the newly unveiled Greater Manchester Growth Plan.
A Vision for Growth
On Thursday, 20th November 2025, Mayor Andy Burnham revealed his 10-year strategy for boosting economic growth and social improvement across the region. The regeneration of Old Trafford, with its proposed world-class stadium, is a cornerstone of this vision.
The club has welcomed this inclusion, seeing it as a major step forward for the project. Lord Sebastian Coe, the chief organiser of the 2012 London Olympics, has been appointed as the chair-designate of a new Mayoral Development Corporation tasked with driving the project forward.
Building a World-Class Destination
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief operating officer, expressed the club's ambition. She stated that the goal is to build the world’s best football stadium, which would not only serve as a new home for the club but also as a premier venue for major international events.
"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," Roche said. The vision extends beyond the pitch, aiming to create a vibrant district with business, leisure, and residential areas, all supported by excellent transport links.
The initial phase of the wider regeneration includes a commitment of £26 million for 382 of a planned 15,000 new homes in the Trafford Wharf development.
Moving On from a Historic Home
The club first announced its plans to build a new stadium back in March 2025. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasised that this change was essential for the club to compete with its rivals on a global scale.
Ratcliffe acknowledged the legacy of their current home, stating, "Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport." He assured fans that by building next to the existing site, the club would preserve the essence of Old Trafford while creating a state-of-the-art venue that transforms the fan experience.
Having moved into Old Trafford in 1910, the club is now set to leave the iconic ground. The proposed new stadium is expected to take approximately five years to build, marking a new chapter for one of the world's most famous football clubs.
