Manchester United progress with new stadium plans

10 Sep 2024 | Rory Jones

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Manchester United have teamed up with local councils in order to ‘maximise regeneration opportunities’ in the area around Old Trafford.

The club are continuing to evaluate options for a world-class home stadium, amid reports of a potential new £2bn, 100,000-seat venue.

The Red Devils have forged a strategic partnership with the Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GCMA), which will help assess ways by which a reimagined ‘world-class’ stadium will benefit the Trafford Wharfside area and local community.

*Old Trafford has been the home of Manchester United since 1910.*

United will appoint an advisory team, led by an independent director, which will help develop a vision, focusing on the project’s social and economic benefits.

The new advisory team and director will collaborate with the existing Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which was instated in March to weigh up options for a renovated Old Trafford or a new stadium.

The task force is being led by Lord Sebastian Coe, and includes Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Trafford Council CEO Sara Todd, and United legend Gary Neville.

In July, it was reported that United part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was favouring the construction of a new venue, would take around six years to complete.

Ratcliffe, who became a co-owner in February after acquiring a 27.7% in the club, voiced his ambition for a ‘Wembley of the North’ shortly after his arrival.

*A ‘world-class’ stadium has been a priority for Ratcliffe, pictured above, since his arrival at the club.*

“There is a huge opportunity to connect Trafford Wharfside regeneration with the ongoing growth of neighbouring Media City in Salford, and Greater Manchester’s Western Gateway and Central Growth Cluster plans, to create a project of national significance.”

Andy Burnham added, “Greater Manchester has a strong claim to be the biggest footballing city-region on the planet.

“Few places come close to matching our heritage and the global impact of our clubs and our culture.

“The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter of that story, and we have a chance now to make sure it’s written properly.

“With this new partnership we have the expertise, the vision, and the passion to drive forward the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area, and deliver real benefits for the community, the fans, and for the economy across the North.”

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