​Supporters of Manchester United are set to be gently steered toward using public transport to reach matches at the club’s proposed new stadium, which would have a capacity of 100,000. The club has revealed its intention to build the ground on the site of an existing indoor go-karting track in Trafford Park, after acquiring the land earlier this year. A strategic masterplan for the Trafford Wharfside area has been published, outlining plans that include consolidating and removing existing surface car parks to maximise the use of available land.
Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council, acknowledged the need to address car dependency and said the council aims to nudge people toward public transport options. The Wharfside Strategic Masterplan covers a 150-hectare area, much of which is currently dominated by surface car parks used by Manchester United supporters on matchdays. At present, Old Trafford is surrounded by 11 official matchday car parks, with hundreds of spaces available, including provisions for blue badge holders.
The masterplan document does not specifically address matchday parking for supporters with mobility issues, but it does state that disabled parking must be provided near building entrances in all neighbourhoods. The club has subsequently confirmed that accessible parking will be available for supporters, though the quantity and precise locations will be determined at a later stage. In addition, there are minimum regulatory standards that the club will be required to meet.
Tom Ross has been involved in developing the Wharfside Strategic Masterplan. He has stressed that car reliance is something to be tackled and that the area already benefits from strong infrastructure, which should be leveraged to encourage the use of public transport. He indicated that the authorities would look to best practices from around the world, not only within the United Kingdom, as they seek to persuade as many fans as possible to travel to matches by tram, train, or bus, while remaining open to exploring other options.
Collette Roche, who serves as the chief executive for the New Stadium Development at Manchester United, expressed conviction about the location of the new stadium, believing it to be in a well-connected area. She acknowledged that some supporters might find the transition challenging but emphasised the club’s intention to guide them through the change. Surveys of the fanbase have indicated a significant portion of supporters who are enthusiastic about the proposed development.
The club is currently refining the exact designs for the new stadium, with more detailed information anticipated to be released by late 2026 or early 2027, ahead of submitting a planning application to Trafford Council. Roche is leading the stadium development project on behalf of Manchester United.
The masterplan also includes proposals for a new railway station to serve the area, which would replace the current platforms behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, as part of broader efforts to improve accessibility and public transport options to the proposed site. This revision would be designed with visibility and connectivity in mind, aiming to facilitate easier and more efficient travel for attendees on matchdays and to support the sustained growth of the surrounding area.