Manchester United unveils grand plans for 'New Trafford' stadium
Manchester United is on track to realise plans for building a new, impressive stadium. The facility is expected to accommodate up to 100,000 people and will replace Old Trafford, which has been the home of the Red Devils since 1910. According to the "Manchester Evening News", the club intends to submit a formal planning application by the end of the current year, with construction potentially commencing as early as summer 2025.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a co-owner of Manchester United in February 2024, stadium modernisation has become one of his priorities.
Working with Ratcliffe, the advisory team has determined that building a new facility is the most "logical" step for improving the club's infrastructure and revitalising the surrounding areas. The new stadium will likely be constructed on land adjacent to Old Trafford.
The decision to erect a new stadium followed a series of research visits to crucial European arenas, such as Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou.
The project for United's new arena, tentatively named "New Trafford," envisions an ultra-modern design that focuses on functionality and spectator comfort.
According to "The Sun," the stadium is expected to be circular and topped with a significant roof. The visualisation of the building is also noteworthy, featuring red lights guiding crowds of fans to the entrance gates and a massive club logo adorning the facade.
The cost of building the new stadium is projected to reach up to 2.4 billion euros, and the project is expected to take around three years. This suggests that Manchester United players could play in the new stadium as early as 2028. The final deadline for the completion of construction is set for 2030. The club anticipates the stadium will meet the highest global standards and satisfy the needs of both fans and players.
Revitalisation of the entire Trafford region
The new stadium will replace Old Trafford and become part of a broader initiative to revitalise the entire Trafford district. Plans include improving transport infrastructure, building new housing, and creating new commercial spaces.
The architectural firm Foster + Partners, known for projects such as Wembley, has been hired to create the "master plans." Their proposals include developing a park surrounding the stadium and installing statues honouring club legends.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, emphasised, "This could be the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in our country."
