Man Utd unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium in March and the project is on track.
A conceptual image of what United's new stadium could look like. (Image: Foster + Partners/PA Wire)
Manchester United are still planning to build a new 100,000-seater Old Trafford in around five years.
In March, United unveiled ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium at an event in London and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the project could be completed by 2030.
Club sources say the project has progressed well in the past few months. The feasibility work on land assembly and financing continues, which will inform the pace at which the project will move, but United are still planning to realise their vision in the initial timeframe.
That update came as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, announced a 10-year growth plan for the region.
The Old Trafford Regeneration project is a part of the growth plan and Lord Sebastian Coe has been appointed as the Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to oversee it.
Omar Berrada, CEO of United, reacted to the update and said: “This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy.
“We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive. In addition, Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.
Lord Coe chaired the Old Trafford task force - and will still be involved with the regeneration project.
“In March, we announced our ambition for a new stadium and since then we have been progressing those plans. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our shared vision for the revival of this area of the city that requires investment to thrive again.”
United have conceded they cannot deliver their ambitious vision for Old Trafford alone, which has seen the club work closely with national and local government, as well as Trafford Council.
The club and city region are also said to be aligned with the aim of bringing significant fixtures at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035 to the stadium, including the final, as much of the regeneration of the area will be complete.
Architects Foster + Partners are responsible for designing the new 100,000-seater stadium.
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