Manchester United has confirmed the location for its new £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium, which will be built approximately 350 meters from its current home, Old Trafford. Collette Roche, the club's CEO of new stadium development, discussed the project's key aspects with media outlets.
The new stadium is envisioned as a central feature of a new Stadium District. Roche indicated that hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup is a realistic goal, provided planning and construction timelines align. "I do think it's realistic because of the work we've done so far, and we've now got the land," Roche stated, emphasizing the importance of genuine consultation with the local council and stakeholders regarding transport systems and planning.
Regarding the £2 billion cost estimate, Roche acknowledged the uncertainty, noting that a definitive price cannot be provided until the design and engineering processes are complete. "There is not a price I can get a quote on this right now," she said. The club is exploring various funding options, including debt, equity, shares, and other investors, and has received significant interest. The priority is to determine the total cost before finalizing the most suitable funding method.
Roche stressed that the project must be a "sanity project, not a vanity project," emphasizing cost control and financial discipline. She drew a parallel to the successful management of the £50 million upgrade of the Carrington training ground, attributing its on-time and on-budget completion to discipline and a strong team of architects and consultants. The club aims to ensure the stadium project remains affordable and does not jeopardize its improving financial position.
To address the need for increased capacity, as many fans are currently unable to attend matches, the club is pursuing a new stadium build. While debt financing is a possibility, Roche highlighted other revenue streams that will be generated by the new stadium, including expanded facilities and additional experiences beyond match days. These are expected to increase revenue and contribute to the club's growth and on-field success. She noted that borrowing is a common and often necessary component of stadium financing.
The decision to build a new stadium approximately 350 meters from Old Trafford was made to avoid disrupting current operations. Roche explained that a short distance would have made playing in a construction site and managing fan and transport logistics difficult. The club is actively engaging with its Fan Advisory Board to discuss the preservation of Old Trafford's history and heritage within the new development.
Roche also commented on the potential impact of a future Andy Burnham premiership, suggesting that a Prime Minister with an understanding of the North of England and public-private partnerships could be beneficial. However, she affirmed the club's commitment to working with any government in power, given the project's long-term nature.
Public funding for the stadium itself is not being sought, as the club intends to finance it independently. However, Roche indicated that public-private partnerships will be crucial for infrastructure improvements, such as a new train station, which are beyond the club's direct funding capabilities. This approach is seen as part of a larger regeneration effort for the region.
The future of the existing Old Trafford stadium remains undecided and will be subject to a consultation process. Options being considered include keeping it, redeveloping it for other purposes, or demolishing it. The club will work closely with the local council on this decision, as well as on plans for jobs, homes, and businesses in the area.
While acknowledging that construction projects can face challenges, Roche expressed commitment to making the new stadium a reality, exploring modern construction techniques to ensure its success. The design concept unveiled previously is not finalized and will evolve as the project progresses. The immediate focus is on the masterplan and the stadium's location.
Manchester United is open to exploring stadium naming rights as a significant revenue stream, a possibility that has been discussed with the Fan Advisory Board. Roche noted that generating revenue from various sources is essential to support the construction of a costly new stadium while maintaining affordable ticket prices for fans.