Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who became a minority shareholder last year after buying a 27.7% stake in the club, has made no secret of his desire to see United play in a world-class venue.
Now, rather than simply revamping Old Trafford, the club has decided to construct a brand-new arena right next door to its historic home.
The announcement signals a huge moment in United’s history, as Old Trafford, one of football’s most famous stadiums, could soon have a modern sibling — or even a successor. At this stage, it’s still unclear whether Old Trafford will be demolished or kept for other purposes.
And the development is set to have huge ramifications for the development of the surrounding area, too.
The new Old Trafford
Old Trafford
The proposal, developed in partnership with renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners and backed by a government regeneration task force led by Lord Sebastian Coe, is about much more than just football.
Foster + Partners will also be developing the Manchester United training grounds too.
United say the massive project could inject billions into the UK economy, deliver 92,000 jobs, and lead to the creation of over 17,000 new homes in the surrounding area — a major boost for Manchester as a whole.
Legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who led United to countless trophies from Old Trafford’s dugout, has given his blessing to the idea. “Old Trafford is a special place for me, full of unforgettable memories,” Sir Alex said.
“But Manchester United should always aim for excellence — on and off the pitch. Building a stadium for the future is the right move if we want to stay at the top.”
Lord Norman Foster
Architect Lord Norman Foster, who is from Stockport, has shared some early insights into the design, describing a structure that will be both environmentally conscious and community-focused.
“The stadium will feature a giant canopy that collects energy and rainwater, and will open out onto a public space twice as big as Trafalgar Square,” Foster revealed.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham
The wider impact on Manchester and the North West is being seen as potentially transformational. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “If we do this right, the regeneration could rival the scale of what London achieved with the 2012 Olympics. It’s a game-changer for our region.”
Still, the announcement comes amid a tough time for United on the pitch, with performances this season leaving fans frustrated. Off the field, Sir Jim’s cost-cutting measures have sparked debate, including job cuts and questions over player salaries.
Nevertheless, this stadium project may offer fans hope of a brighter future — a new home for Manchester United that reflects its status as one of the biggest clubs in the world.
You can find out more on Manchester United’s website by clicking here