Manchester United have confirmed how their new 100,000-seater Old Trafford stadium proposed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be funded in an update to supporters
Steven Railston and Richard Cusack Sport Content Editor
11:54, 24 Mar 2026Updated 12:09, 24 Mar 2026
An undated provided by Foster + Partners of a conceptual image of what the new Manchester United stadium and surrounding area could look like
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An update has emerged on Manchester United's potential new stadium(Image: Foster + Partners/PA Wire)
Manchester United have confirmed how a new 100,000-seater Old Trafford will be financed amid "positive conversations" with potential investors and stakeholders.
The idea of taxpayers partially funding the £2billion project was initially suggested by the club's controversial co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Upon the announcement of plans for a new stadium, billionaire tax exile Ratcliffe stated: "People in the north pay their taxes, and there is an argument you could think about a more ambitious project in the north which would be fitting for England, for the Champions League final or the FA Cup final."
Andy Burnham, Manchester's mayor, had previously declared that no money from the public purse would be allocated for the stadium itself but the club had not officially clarified how it would be funded, reports the Manchester Evening News. This changed at a recent fans' forum when a United spokesperson said: "Our proposed new stadium will be financed privately, and we continue to have positive conversations with potential investors and all stakeholders."
Billionaire tax exile Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously suggested that taxpayers should help pay for a new Manchester United stadium
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Billionaire tax exile Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously suggested that taxpayers should help pay for a new Manchester United stadium(Image: PA)
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The update suggests that United could potentially accrue record levels of debt to fund the new stadium project. In February, United revealed their financial figures for the second quarter, and the numbers shockingly confirmed the club's debt is nearing the £1.3bn mark.
In August, football finance blogger Swiss Ramble ranked Everton and Tottenham ahead of United in his debt table, though both those sides have borrowed to construct new stadiums. United have estimated that a fresh Old Trafford would require approximately £2bn, which could theoretically drive debt up to roughly £3.3bn.
Ratcliffe cultivates political connections with a new 100,000-capacity ground in his sights, though it's yet to be determined whether his remarks on immigration have damaged ties within government.
An undated provided by Foster + Partners of a conceptual image of what the new Manchester United stadium and surrounding area could look like
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Man United have confirmed the new proposed stadium will be privately funded(Image: Foster + Partners/PA Wire)
At the supporters' forum, United were questioned about potential concerns regarding a worsening relationship with authorities at both local and national level, and how this might affect new stadium development.
The club replied: "Our strong relationships with local and national government have been built over many years. The Old Trafford Regeneration project has strong stakeholder support.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build not only the world's best football, but also a transformational programme supporting national economic growth at scale.
"Delivery of 15,000 new homes, including affordable housing, creation of 48,000 local jobs and over 90,000 nationally, and a long-term economic contribution of £7 billion per year to the UK economy."
An undated provided by Foster + Partners of a conceptual image of what the new Manchester United stadium and surrounding area could look like
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Man United have confirmed the new proposed stadium at Old Trafford will not be funded by public money(Image: Foster + Partners/PA Wire)
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United stated that naming Collette Roche as 'chief executive officer, new stadium development' represented a crucial next phase. "She has been closely involved in the progress we've made so far on the pathway toward a new stadium, and her appointment formalises that work," a spokesperson said.
"The new role gives Collette and the club a much sharper focus on what we need to deliver: the world's best football stadium. It's a clear signal of commitment, and an important step forward as we move from vision to delivery."
Before United can forge ahead with stadium proposals, they must secure a deal to buy the rail yard surrounding Old Trafford. The land belongs to Freightliner and discussions over an arrangement have ground to a halt.