Manchester United Plans New 100,000-Capacity Stadium by 2030

Manchester United is considering building a new stadium with a capacity of up to 100,000 by 2030. The estimated cost for this new venue is around £2 billion ($2.6 billion). However, the club is also weighing the option of redeveloping Old Trafford, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

Location and Inspiration

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe prefers constructing the new stadium on the current site, likely behind the Stretford End. Club officials have drawn inspiration from global projects such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. United’s pre-season tour in the USA, where they hosted Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, further solidified their vision. Club executives have made several trips to Los Angeles to study the SoFi Stadium project.

Former Players and Officials on the Plan

Former United striker Andy Cole, who visited SoFi Stadium, emphasized the need for a world-class stadium in Manchester, comparing the opportunity to the revitalization seen in Inglewood, Los Angeles. The club has also studied the revamped Bernabéu in Madrid, Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Chicago Bears’ Burnham Park project.

Task Force and Funding Options

Since taking over the club in February, Ratcliffe has prioritized the stadium project. A joint task force, including Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and former United captain Gary Neville, was established in March to explore all options. Speaking at a fans’ forum, COO Collette Roche highlighted the task force’s progress and assured that fans would be consulted before any major decisions, including potential naming rights sales. The task force will consider various funding options, including public-private partnerships.