Manchester United has announced it will decide on whether to build a new stadium or redevelop Old Trafford before the summer, as it continues to push for government support.
This follows the completion of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force’s initial feasibility study on both options, which concluded on Friday (January 17).
As part of the feasibility work, over 50,000 United fans were surveyed, focus groups were held and open days at Old Trafford were organised to gather input. The results revealed that over 90% of supporters are in favour of the goal to create a world-class stadium in a revitalised area.
The report found that the majority of fans (52%) favoured a new stadium, while 31% preferred redeveloping the existing one and 17% remained undecided.
In addition, a consultation with the local community showed that 60% of 1,000 surveyed residents believed the project could bring positive benefits to the area. The club has stated that it plans to continue engaging with both fans and the local community in 2025 as it moves towards a final decision.
Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, said: “I want to thank the Task Force members for their dedication to this important project which will lead to significant growth not only for Trafford but for Greater Manchester and also the North West of England.
“Collectively we have examined a wide range of options to produce a report that outlines the huge opportunity that Manchester United, and the local authorities, have to deliver major economic and social growth. At the heart of the plan is a world-class football stadium which will act as a catalyst for one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK.”
The Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force was formed in March. Key figures involved in the group alongside Coe are: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Sara Todd, Chief Executive of Trafford Council, and Gary Neville, former Manchester United captain.
According to the club, initial findings suggest its plans could deliver an extra £7.3bn gross value added to the UK economy and more than 90,000 employment opportunities.
Burnham highlighted that the proposals represent a significant opportunity for urban regeneration, comparable to the transformation seen in London after the 2012 Olympics. He emphasised that they form a key part of a 10-year plan aimed at driving growth not just around Old Trafford, but throughout Greater Manchester.
“Our city-region is in a unique position. We are driving growth faster than the UK average, attracting more investment through innovative partnerships, and we have developed an innovative new mechanism to deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure that we need to lock in those benefits for years to come,” Burnham continued.
“Transforming the area around Old Trafford won’t just benefit Greater Manchester. By beginning to move freight away from the site we can bring new life to underused industrial land, open up capacity on our rail network, and unlock massive potential across the whole of the North. We are ready to move forward and will be working closely with government, our councils and communities, and the club to make sure we get this right.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, described the project as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to totally transform Old Trafford and the surrounding area, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and much-needed new homes.”
Securing government support
Old Trafford, the largest football stadium in England after Wembley, has long been a symbol of Manchester United’s rich history. Yet, the stadium, once a beacon of football excellence, is showing signs of age.
In May, during a Task Force meeting, parts of the ground were flooded, with waterfalls cascading over areas and seating sections submerged, highlighting the pressing need for redevelopment.
For years, supporters have voiced concerns about the stadium’s deteriorating condition. When Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner of the club in 2023, he made it clear that addressing these issues would be a priority.
However, after reviewing the costs, Ratcliffe found that building a new stadium would cost around £2bn while redeveloping Old Trafford would be closer to £1bn. Given the steep price tag, Ratcliffe acknowledged that the project would require government support.
While the area surrounding Old Trafford has seen significant development in recent years, including new residential and commercial spaces, much work remains. This aligns with Trafford Council’s and the government’s levelling-up agenda, which seeks to drive growth and improve local infrastructure.
To justify government funding, the project must demonstrate that it will offer benefits to the local community, rather than simply enhancing the stadium for the benefit of its owners, which this is a small step towards.
The decision on whether Manchester United will receive government support remains uncertain.