Manchester United have secured the majority of the land for a new 100,000-seater stadium near Old Trafford. The deal gives the club room to move its stadium plan forward, but it does not yet finish the land process.
Collette Roche called the purchase a major step and said the club is entering the next phase of development. She said: “Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development.”
25-acre plot near Old Trafford
The land sits on a 25-acre triangle between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way, about 350m north-west of the current stadium. United bought it from Indurent, a Blackstone portfolio company, after a year of talks with Freightliner over land behind the Stretford End stalled and design work was paused.
Roche also said the club is keeping the new ground close to Old Trafford so it can protect what fans already recognise around matchday. “Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans. We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.”
Remaining land still needed
United still need to acquire the remaining land in the highlighted plot, even after this purchase. Roche framed that part of the work as central to the project, saying: “This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions. Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical, and the land we’ve acquired gives us the stage to deliver a truly world-class stadium that honours our past and is ready for our future.”
Supporters will continue to be consulted during the design phase, and United will also engage directly with businesses affected by the plans. The Mayoral Development Corporation will publish the wider masterplan for the Old Trafford regeneration project on 9 July, which will be the next public marker of how the site fits into the larger rebuild around Old Trafford and the stadium area.
