January 29 – Manchester United have formally placed Collette Roche at the centre of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in European football, appointing her chief executive of the club’s new stadium development.
The move formalises Roche’s leadership of United’s role in the Old Trafford Regeneration project, following the launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC). That body will oversee plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium and the wider redevelopment of the surrounding area.
Roche will report to United chief executive Omar Berrada and will now focus full-time on delivering a project that will have eyes from around the world peering intently at progress and delays. With a projected £2 billion ($2.59bn) price tag, unresolved funding questions and a club carrying debts of more than £1 billion, the financial and political balancing act ahead is substantial.
Berrada said, “Collette has done a fantastic job leading the club’s work to develop our ambition to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration. As we start to accelerate our plans, we are delighted that Collette will now be totally focused on working to deliver this hugely important project.”
Roche’s challenge is not just building the largest stadium in the UK but doing so while maintaining supporter trust. In November, the club launched a new consultation phase with fans, acknowledging the sensitivity around leaving a stadium that has been United’s home for 115 years. Old Trafford is expected to be demolished once the new venue is completed, currently projected for 2030.
“Our aspiration is to create the best stadium in the world for the best team and fanbase in sport – guided by fans’ input throughout the design and development process,” Roche said. “We are committed to taking a consultative approach, ensuring our plans are shaped by fans every step of the way.”
The wider regeneration has been touted as being able to deliver 92,000 jobs and 17,000 new homes, and will be led by a task force chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe. Government support has been voiced, but funding specifics remain unclear.
If Roche succeeds, shewon’t just redefine Manchester United’s home —she’ll help reshape an entire district, under the weight of expectation that comes with one of football’s biggest institutions.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1769677488labto1769677488ofdlr1769677488owedi1769677488sni@r1769677488etsbe1769677488w.kci1769677488n1769677488