Man United reacted to the new 100,000-seater Old Trafford being listed as a host venue for the 2035 World Cup.
United could host 2035 World Cup games.(Image: Manchester United)
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Manchester United believes the chance to host the FIFA 2035 women's World Cup is a "brilliant opportunity." United and the city region have been aligned with the aim of bringing significant fixtures at the World Cup in 2035 to the stadium, including the final of the tournament.
United withdrew Old Trafford from the list of venues for the 2028 men's European Championship because they were considering its future and could not commit to being a host venue. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has earmarked the 2030/31 season for United to move into the new 100,000-seater Old Trafford.
The club have been keen to host 2035 women's World Cup fixtures and have now officially been named in the United Kingdom's bid to host the tournament in 10 years. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland's joint bid for the 2035 World Cup currently stands unopposed, which means it could be ratified by a vote in a FIFA congress in 2026.
Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, said: “We are proud to be part of the rich sporting and cultural fabric of Trafford, and the FIFA women’s World Cup 2035 is a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase our home to the rest of the world.
"Our ambition is to build a new 100,000-seater stadium fit to host the biggest international football games. This will be part of a wider regeneration of the area around Old Trafford, with far-reaching benefits for the local community, Greater Manchester and surrounding region.
“We also want to be a leader in the growth of women’s football, in our own neighbourhood and around the world. All these objectives come together in Trafford’s bid to be a host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035, and we are looking forward to working with our partners in making this incredibly exciting vision a reality.”
Councillor Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s executive member for leisure, arts, culture and heritage, said: “The women’s World Cup 2035 is a huge event and is expected to be the largest single-sport event to ever be held in the UK.
"Trafford is home to two massive sporting institutions – Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Lancashire Cricket Club - and we are used to hosting major events.
“There are huge benefits associated with being a host city for this event, including promoting Trafford on a world stage to millions and millions of people. The Council will work with FIFA and our local partners, including Manchester United, to help bring this major event to the borough.”
Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, said earlier this month: "It’s a major growth project for the whole of the north west. And the enticing prospect in my mind is if we really get it moving, I think there’s a fairly high likelihood that we will be hosting the women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035. Imagine a final at that new Old Trafford. It would be quite something, wouldn't it?"
The design of the new stadium has been paused while discussions progress regarding the acquisition of land. The rail yard surrounding Old Trafford is owned by Freightliner and is crucial to the plans. United are optimistic of agreeing a deal to acquire the land for new stadium project.