Manchester United presented their new stadium

Today, Manchester United announced their intention to build a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 seats, abandoning plans to renovate their current Old Trafford stadium, the historic home of the team. The ambitious project will drastically change one of the most enduring symbols of English football, with London-based company Fosters + Partners chosen to lead the design work. The new stadium will be built on land surrounding Old Trafford, as part of a larger regeneration plan for the Trafford Wharfside area. The project is already causing a stir with the release of the first proposed renderings.

In recent times, the stadium had mirrored the team's decline, requiring major maintenance work and the closure of some sections. This state of affairs convinced the Old Trafford regeneration task force, set up to explore development options for the stadium, to choose to build a completely new stadium. The results of the study showed that, while renovating Old Trafford could have increased capacity to 87,000 seats, a new stadium could accommodate up to 100,000 fans. A survey among fans revealed that 52% of them are in favor of a new stadium, while 31% prefer renovation. Additionally, the project is expected to attract 1.8 million more visitors each year.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, told The Athletic: "Our current stadium has served the team splendidly for 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best sports arenas in the world. By building next to the current site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford while creating a state-of-the-art stadium that will transform the fan experience." The club has emphasized that the construction and regeneration project could have a significant economic impact, with a potential contribution of £7.3 billion (US$9.7 billion) to the local economy, creating 92,000 jobs and delivering over 17,000 new homes.

Ratcliffe also highlighted the importance of the project as a catalyst for social and economic revival in the Old Trafford area, creating job opportunities and investments even after the construction of the new stadium. As reported in the latest UEFA Report, the main source of club revenue has shifted from TV rights to commercial and ticket sales, confirming the vital role of modern and attractive stadiums for clubs beyond the sporting event. Despite the excitement surrounding the project, funding remains uncertain: it is estimated that the construction of the new stadium could cost over £2 billion. As reported by The Athletic, the club may consider selling naming rights for the new stadium to help finance the project.