Manchester United has officially announced plans to leave Old Trafford after more than 100 years to build a new state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of 100,000 seats, according to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This ambitious project is expected to be the largest football stadium not just in the UK, but one of the biggest worldwide.
The announcement, made on March 11, 2025, outlines the team's vision to create what Ratcliffe describes as "the world’s greatest football stadium". The proposed construction will be funded by $2.6 billion and aims to revitalize the Old Trafford area, which echoes the club's storied history, defined by legendary moments and iconic matches.
Located on the same site as the current stadium, the new venue will boast modern facilities sought by fans and players alike. Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasized, "Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting project to develop what will be the world’s greatest football stadium." He added, "Our current stadium has served us well over the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas globally. By building next to the existing site, we can preserve the essence of Old Trafford.
The draw of modernity to address the club's current struggles has become evident over time. Old Trafford, which opened its doors back in 1910 with room for 76,000 fans, has seen its glamour fade compared to newer stadiums. United fans have rallied to voice their frustrations, particularly with the team's on-field performance and poor financial reports. The club recently announced layoffs and continued protests from supporters reflected discontent with the ownership's handling of finances, ticket prices, and overall club direction.
On the weekend before the announcement, thousands of fans protested at Old Trafford against the ownership of the Glazer family, citing over £1 billion (approximately $1.29 billion) debt and rising ticket prices. Ian Wright, a sentiments echoed by current co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated, "Manchester United should always strive for the best, not just on the pitch but also at the stadium we play in."
Among the voices supporting the new development is Sir Alex Ferguson, the club's longest-serving manager, who said, "Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made. Sir Ratcliffe and the board understand what it means to the fans and the club." This shift, he stressed, is seen as integral for revitalizing the club's fortune and standing on both regional and international stages.
The new stadium's construction is anticipated to take five years. During this time, reports indicated Manchester United would not need to play away games as they will still utilize Old Trafford. To facilitate the development, renowned architect Lord Norman Foster has been commissioned to design the stadium, which will feature various modern amenities and designs resembling iconic international stadiums.
Ratcliffe also hinted at the design's significance, noting the inclusion of technology to harvest energy and rainwater and the provision of enhanced spectator experiences, something the current venue lacks. "The new stadium will be visible from miles away and will aim to become not just home to Manchester United but also emerge as monumental architecture within Manchester's skyline," Ratcliffe added.
The overall project is expected to create approximately 92,000 new jobs and house over 17,000 additional homes, showcasing Manchester United's vision for the regeneration of the surrounding area. Initial projections forecast the development will inject £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) annually to the UK economy. The government has shown preliminary support for the venture, with future funding discussions anticipated as plans advance.
Although many fans embrace the prospects of new amenities and enhanced matchday experiences, concerns linger about potential ticket price hikes and the fate of current supporters who might find themselves priced out of attending matches. The Manchester United Supporters Trust expressed cautions about how changes might affect match-going fans, particularly with worries over potential disruptions to the atmosphere and accessibility.
Still, the enthusiasm surrounding the announcement and the engagement with fans reflect the club's attempt to reignite its historical prominence and firmly instate itself at the top tier of English football. This determination, articulated by co-owner Ratcliffe, positions them to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to realize the ambitions of the new stadium.