Manchester United unveil plans for new 100,000 seater stadium – will become biggest stadium in UK

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Expected to cost €2 billion 

©IMAGO

Manchester United have revealed ambitious plans to construct the biggest stadium in the UK—an “iconic” £2 billion, 100,000-seater venue near Old Trafford. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed his vision to create the “world’s greatest football stadium,” with the club aiming for completion within the next five years. The decision follows an extensive review of whether to renovate the existing Old Trafford or instead develop a brand-new facility.

Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home since 1910, but the club believes a modern stadium is needed to compete with the world’s best. The project will be designed by renowned architects Foster and Partners, featuring an umbrella-shaped structure and a vast public plaza, said to be double the size of Trafalgar Square.

A standout feature of the design includes three towering masts—dubbed “the trident”—which will rise 200 meters high and be visible from 25 miles away. Despite currently being £1 billion in debt, Manchester United have not yet disclosed their funding strategy for the project. However, club CEO Omar Berrada remains optimistic, calling it “a very attractive investment opportunity” and expressing confidence in securing the necessary financial backing.

The stadium will be part of a broader regeneration initiative for the Old Trafford area, described as the most significant redevelopment in the UK since the transformation of Stratford for the 2012 London Olympics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already pledged government support for the plans. Manchester United project that the development could generate 92,000 jobs, include 17,000 new homes, and attract an additional 1.8 million visitors annually. The economic impact is estimated to be worth £7.3 billion per year.