Manchester United has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium, set to become the largest in the UK and the second biggest in Europe.
The new stadium, estimated to cost £2 billion, will replace the historic Old Trafford and be built on adjacent land as part of a wider government-backed regeneration of the Trafford Park area. The project, led by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aims to transform the club’s home into a world-class football destination.
Designed by renowned architects Foster and Partners, the stadium will feature a striking “umbrella” canopy structure, three giant trident-inspired towers, and a vast public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square. It will also include a three-story museum, canal-side restaurants, and a fan village. The stadium’s completion is targeted for 2030.
Ratcliffe emphasized the need for a modern venue, stating, “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport. This project will preserve Old Trafford’s essence while delivering a truly state-of-the-art experience.”
The government has pledged financial support for the surrounding infrastructure, while United will fund the stadium itself despite being £1 billion in debt. The development is expected to generate £7.3 billion annually for the UK economy and create over 92,000 jobs.
The project has received government approval, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves endorsing the plan. The Mayoral Development Corporation will oversee the regeneration of Trafford Park, ensuring the stadium becomes the heart of a sustainable, walkable district with improved transport links and thousands of new homes.
With this ambitious vision, Manchester United aims to redefine football infrastructure in England and cement its status as a global sporting powerhouse.
