Manchester United Confirms £2bn Plans To Build Biggest Stadium In UK

Manchester United have confirmed their plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium situated close to their current Old Trafford home.

Architects from Foster and Partners have announced that the new stadium and its adjacent complex will incorporate an umbrella design along with a public plaza that will be “twice the size of Trafalgar Square.”

This initiative aligns with the Government’s growth strategy and regeneration plans for the local region.

United asserts that the project could contribute an additional £7.3 billion to the United Kingdom’s economy, generate nearly 100,000 new jobs, and attract an extra 1.8 million visitors to the area each year.

However, the estimated construction costs are around £2 billion, which is a considerable investment, especially given that the Red Devils are currently nearing £1 billion in debt.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe said in a club statement, “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the center of a regenerated Old Trafford.

“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport. By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience, only footsteps from our historic home.

“Just as important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment, not just during the construction phase, but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete.

“The Government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance.”

United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, added, “Our long-term objective as a club is to have the world’s best football team playing in the world’s best stadium. We are grateful for the feasibility work done by the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force exploring options for the future of Old Trafford.

“We have carefully considered its findings, together with the views of thousands of fans and local residents, and concluded that a new stadium is the right way forward for Manchester United and our surrounding community.

“We will now embark on further consultation to ensure that fans and residents continue to be heard as we move towards final decisions.”