LONDON — Manchester United has announced ambitious plans to construct what they aim to be the “world’s greatest” soccer stadium. The proposed stadium will accommodate 100,000 spectators and involve an estimated cost of around 2 billion pounds ($2.6 billion). Situated beside United’s current Old Trafford grounds, it will surpass Wembley Stadium as the largest in the United Kingdom.
Jim Ratcliffe, a part owner of Manchester United, emphasized the club’s global popularity, describing it as deserving of a stadium matching its reputation. “Manchester United is the world’s most favored football club and truly the biggest, thus it should have a stadium fitting of its stature,” he commented.
Construction is set to potentially commence later this year, with the stadium’s completion envisioned by the 2030-31 season. Ratcliffe, who ranks among Britain’s wealthiest individuals, envisions the venue as a tourist magnet akin to the Eiffel Tower, asserting, “With 1 billion followers of Manchester United globally, they will all aspire to visit this stadium.”
The stadium’s design, crafted by British architect Norman Foster, was revealed with initial images displaying three towering tentpoles visible from a distance of 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. These financial funds support an extensive covered space surrounding the stadium, which Foster describes as “arguably the largest public space in the world.”
Presently, Wembley remains the largest stadium in the UK, with a capacity of 90,000 and serves as the home of England’s national soccer teams, while Twickenham, the national rugby stadium, holds 82,500.
Old Trafford, distinguished as the largest dedicated soccer stadium in the country, holds just over 74,000, yet pales in modernity compared to more recent structures like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, which frequently hosts NFL games. Old Trafford, extensively linked with United’s history since 1910 and having undergone bombing during World War II, has witnessed numerous historic moments.
Under the proposed redevelopment plans, the club announced that it would continue using its current stadium throughout the new structure’s development to ensure no disruption. Once completed, dismantling Old Trafford is anticipated to take roughly a year.
Ratcliffe, who invested $1.3 billion for a 25% stake in the club last year, has made premiering the stadium a principal priority. “Today heralds the beginning of an incredibly thrilling journey towards creating the world’s premier football stadium,” he enthused. “Our current stadium has been outstanding for 115 years but has lagged behind the top venues in the sport.”
While there’s no confirmed start date, Foster notes that the construction, possibly involving pre-fabricated parts and a “Meccano” style execution, could be done in five years. This timeline is contingent on collaboration with the government, which United hopes will lead to a broader renewal venture for the Old Trafford locale. The project is estimated to add 7.3 billion pounds ($9.4 billion) to the UK economy. Already, it has gained the attention and support of the UK government.
United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, outlined the club’s overarching ambition, stating, “Our long-term goal is to have the world’s best football team playing in the world’s best stadium.”
Prominent former manager Alex Ferguson endorsed the move, highlighting, “The club needs courage to seize this chance to craft a new home that accommodates future achievements.”
The stadium unveiling accompanies recent protests from United fans against the club’s management, spurred by financial cuts, increased ticket costs, and persistent on-field disappointments.
The Glazer family of America, which also owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, holds the majority ownership of Manchester United. Ratcliffe, upon acquiring his stakeholder role, committed to restoring Manchester United’s dominance within European soccer, following more than a decade away from Premier League glory.
However, his tenure has faced setbacks, marked by United enduring its worst Premier League season and risking a new low as they currently sit in 14th position. United’s history of success last saw a league title in its former manager Ferguson’s final season in 2013.
Despite these challenges, Berrada affirmed the club’s ambition to revert to form as European soccer leaders, asserting, “Our primary focus is to resume our winning trajectory and ensure our teams consistently vie for major titles. Building a new stadium will not distract from our core competitive commitments.”
