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Manchester United have plans to build a new stadium, but those plans could be affected by rumours that the majority owners, the Glazers, are seeking additional investment
Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United's majority owners, the Glazers, are rumoured to be seeking additional investment(Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Manchester United's stadium latest following takeover rumours...
100,000-seat stadium confirmation: The club has officially moved forward with plans for a brand-new 'New Trafford' stadium rather than a piecemeal renovation of the existing ground. This £2billion project is intended to be the centrepiece of a massive regional regeneration effort led by architect Lord Norman Foster.
Public and private funding tension: While the UK government and the Mayor of Greater Manchester back the 'Trafford Wharfside' regeneration, they have reiterated that public money will only support infrastructure like transport and housing. This leaves the club responsible for the stadium's multi-billion-pound price tag, further fuelling the need for outside capital.
Interim Old Trafford upgrades: Despite the long-term plan to move, the club has confirmed essential repairs for the summer of 2026 to fix the notoriously leaky roof and aging drainage systems. These 'stop-gap' measures are seen as vital for maintaining safety and prestige while the new ground awaits a 2030 completion target.
Land acquisition challenges: Significant delays have emerged over the purchase of key land currently owned by Freightliner, a rail transport company. The club is reportedly considering scaling back some design elements, such as the stadium's distinctive giant canopy, to avoid a costly and lengthy legal battle over land value.
Takeover speculation and investment: Rumours are intensifying that the Glazer family may be seeking new partners or a total sale to fund the project's immense costs. Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS may have limited influence over these potential talks due to specific 'drag-along' rights held by the majority owners.
Drag-along clause activation: A critical legal provision in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's contract became fully active in late 2025, allowing the Glazers to force a sale of the entire club without his consent. This "drag-along" right means that if a multi-billion pound bid is accepted by the Glazers, Ratcliffe could be required to sell his 27.7% stake and relinquish sporting control.
Saudi investment rumours: Speculation intensified following social media posts from Saudi sports official Turki Al-Sheikh, who suggested a deal for the club was reaching an 'advanced stage.' While no formal bid has been confirmed by the club, these claims have fuelled theories that Middle Eastern investors remain interested in a full acquisition.
Stagnant valuation vs. funding needs: With the club's valuation now estimated at approximately £5billion, any new buyer would need to provide staggering capital to both buy out the owners and build the new stadium. Analysts suggest the Glazers may be 'considering two options' - selling a further minority stake to a sovereign wealth fund or a complete sale to a state-backed entity.
Ratcliffe's potential exit: Reports indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have 'little choice' but to exit if the Glazers decide to 'pull the plug' and cash out on their majority share. While he currently oversees football operations, his long-term position is increasingly seen as vulnerable to the financial manoeuvres of the majority owners.
READ MORE: Man United takeover latest as eye-watering figures for deal clear after Glazers theory