​Manchester United have outlined the proposed site for their new 100,000-seat stadium in their latest planning documents, with the ambition that the venue could be ready to welcome fans by 2035. The stadium would be located about 350 metres from the current Old Trafford stadium, in Trafford Wharfside, forming the centerpiece of a new “Stadium District” that is being developed specifically for sport, entertainment and year-round activity. United say the project, which would become the largest stadium in the country, should act as a catalyst for broader regeneration across the area.
Collette Roche, United’s stadium development chief executive, described the Wharfside Masterplan as a major milestone in the club’s mission to establish a world-class home for Manchester United at the heart of a lively, transformative district serving Trafford and Greater Manchester. She emphasised that, with partners, United has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a destination that will bring enduring benefits to supporters, local communities and the wider region for decades to come.
The proposed site places the new stadium in close proximity to Old Trafford, allowing the club to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that supporters value while also delivering the connectivity and infrastructure necessary for a truly world-class fan experience. Roche stressed that the aim is to build a stadium that is not only for supporters but with them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility remaining central to the plans. She also highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with fans and other stakeholders as the project progresses through design and development.
The development follows a recent milestone in United’s land acquisition strategy, having purchased the majority of the land needed for the project—a 25-acre triangular area around Trafford Wharfside. The club is confident it can secure the remaining parcels required to push ahead, though the total cost has not been finalised, with previous estimates suggesting around £2 billion.
Roche acknowledged that the design could still evolve, potentially moving away from the initial futuristic “circus tent” concept that accompanied the stadium’s first announcement. She cautioned that while changes are not being made recklessly, the team is now positioned to ensure the design fits appropriately within the chosen location. “Is it set in stone? No. We’re going through the design process,” she said, clarifying that the team is not tearing things up but rather refining the plan to ensure proper fit and feasibility now that the location is known.
She also touched on a possible target opening date, previously reported as 2030, noting that no definitive timeline could be confirmed until planning processes advance. The club expects to continue refining the schedule as discussions with planners, partners and stakeholders proceed. In essence, the aim is to deliver a flagship stadium that anchors the Trafford Wharfside regeneration initiative, while preserving the essence of Old Trafford’s identity and tradition. The broader vision is to create a mixed-use district that combines sport, entertainment and year-round activity, with the stadium acting as a central, transformative catalyst for the area and the region.