Manchester United recently set an ambitious objective to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final at their new stadium, if it’s completed in time. The FA may have something to say about that since the showpiece occasion is set to be staged at Wembley.
In March 2025, Manchester United announced plans for the new stadium, meaning they are making arrangements to move away from Old Trafford.
It was initially suggested that United wanted the stadium ready for the 2030/31 season, but they’ve yet to purchase the land adjacent to the current stadium. The land is owned by Freightliner.
The completion estimations have since been pushed back to 2035, but Collette Roche, who has been appointed as stadium development CEO, also revealed the target is to host the Women’s World Cup final that year.
Old Trafford from above
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Wembley to host 2035 Women’s World Cup final despite Man Utd target
It should be noted that Roche was also referring to an ambition set by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who has been part of talks over the new stadium.
It simply raises suspicion over whether anybody in the room thought to ask why Wembley, the newly built 90,000-capacity stadium and home of English football, wasn’t set for the final when the FA fronted a joint bid.
According to The Guardian, the FA is resisting lobbying from United to nominate a rebuilt Old Trafford as the venue for the 2035 Women’s World Cup final.
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The FA decision to host the final at Wembley is not going to change, even if United’s new stadium is open at the time.
FIFA will make the ultimate decision on the venue of the final, but it would come as a major surprise if they overruled the wishes of the government body leading the bid.
Old Trafford was withdrawn from Euro 2028 because of an assumption that development would have begun by then. Otherwise, it would have been part of the conversation for potential venues.
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How will Man Utd pay for the new stadium?
That is the question many United fans are asking, especially those already facing increases in season ticket prices each year.
The Glazers have never dug into their own pockets, so it’s unlikely that they will help fund it, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be more willing, given it was he who began talk of a new stadium in the first place.
Many United fans want to remain at Old Trafford and feel disappointed by the actions of Ratcliffe and co in their attempts to move away from one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.
United could seek private investment and borrow money, but the club already has debts in excess of £1 billion, including outstanding transfer fees.
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