Manchester United Football Club has officially announced plans to construct a new stadium capable of accommodating 100,000 spectators, as revealed on March 11, 2025, by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. Declaring it to be the 'best stadium in the world,' Ratcliffe articulated the club's intention to select the best option between redeveloping the historic Old Trafford or constructing the new stadium at the existing site.
Addressing the media, Ratcliffe shared, "Our intention is to pursue building a new stadium with 100,000 seats, to serve as the centerpiece of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area." This decision emerged after thorough consideration of all options, including potential redevelopment plans and showcasing models of the prospective new stadium and its vicinity, displayed at the London headquarters of Foster + Partners, the architectural firm tasked with the design.
Ratcliffe asserted, "Today marks the beginning of what will be the greatest football stadium globally, at the heart of the renewed Old Trafford." He noted the existing stadium has served admirably for the past 115 years but has fallen behind the modern facilities found at other leading sports venues.
With the new stadium adjacent to the current site, Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of preserving the essence of Old Trafford as they pursue this ambitious project, which he links to social and economic regeneration for the entire Old Trafford locality.
"It is important to note this new stadium should act as the catalyst for social and economic regeneration of the Old Trafford area, creating job opportunities and investment not only during the construction phase but also on an enduring basis once the stadium is completed," he said.
He highlighted the government's prioritization of investment infrastructure, particularly noted for Northern England, proudly stating the project holds both local and national significance. The completion of the new stadium is estimated to generate approximately £7.3 billion ($9.4 billion) annually for the British economy, along with the potential to create over 92,000 new jobs and attract 1.8 million additional annual visitors.
Former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who steered the club to its final league title under his management in 2013, echoed Ratcliffe's sentiments, emphasizing Manchester United's obligation to pursue excellence both on and off the pitch. "We need to have the courage to seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future where new histories can be crafted," Ferguson said.
Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, expressed excitement over what he described as one of the most exciting projects globally due to its regional and national importance. He iterated, "Everything starts with the fan experience, drawing them closer to the pitch than ever before." The design will feature large canopies capable of harvesting energy and rainwater, accompanied by public squares set to be twice the size of Trafalgar Square, indicating aspirations for the venue to become the epicenter of sustainable urban development.
Foster envisions the stadium as "the beating heart of a new sustainable precinct, walkable and served by public transport, creating the 'mini-city of the future' where residents can take pride."
Manchester's Mayor, Andy Burnham, shared the vision for the club with aspirations for the regeneration to yield thousands of new homes and jobs. He stated, "If we succeed, the impact might surpass even the London Olympics of 2012. Manchester United must have the world's best football stadium. This means the stadium must honor traditional club values and be accessible to everyone, setting new standards globally. I believe this vision can be realized, and should it happen, the benefits to Greater Manchester, North West England, and the entirety of England could be monumental."