Manchester United Unveil Plans for £2 Billion, 100,000-Seat Stadium

Manchester United have announced plans to construct a new 100,000-seat stadium adjacent to their current Old Trafford ground. The proposed £2 billion ($2.59 billion) project, described by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe as the “world’s greatest football stadium,” would create the largest stadium in Britain.

Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in the club in February 2023 and assumed control of football operations, has been vocal about his ambition to build a state-of-the-art “Wembley of the north.” The club had been evaluating options to either redevelop the existing Old Trafford, their home since 1910, or construct a new venue.

In September, Manchester United appointed Foster + Partners to develop a masterplan for the area surrounding Old Trafford, encompassing a broader regeneration project. The club unveiled architectural designs for the new stadium at an event in London on Tuesday. The design features an “umbrella” structure.

Norman Foster, executive chairman of Foster + Partners, emphasized the fan experience: “It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar. The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.”

The stadium project is part of a wider regeneration initiative for the Old Trafford area, which has received backing from British finance minister Rachel Reeves. Manchester United claim the project could generate up to 92,000 new jobs, lead to the construction of 17,000 homes, and contribute an additional £7.3 billion annually to the British economy.

The current Old Trafford stadium, with a capacity of 74,140, is the largest club ground in England but has not undergone major redevelopment since 2006. It has faced increasing criticism in recent years, with concerns raised about its leaking roof and reports of rodent infestations. The new stadium proposal represents a significant investment and a commitment to modernizing the club’s infrastructure.