Manchester United confirm new 100,000-seat stadium site 350 metres from Old Trafford

Manchester United have confirmed that their planned 100,000-seat stadium will be built on land recently purchased from Indurent, situated approximately 350 metres from Old Trafford, with the announcement made on Tuesday at the Wharfside Strategic Masterplan presentation.

Although the new ground will not occupy the existing Old Trafford site, the club insists it will honour the current stadium’s history and traditions. The new arena will serve as the centrepiece of a purpose-built Stadium District designed for sport, entertainment and year-round activity, forming the flagship landmark of the broader Trafford Wharfside development.

The masterplan outlines ambitions that extend well beyond football. Plans include improved public transport links, enhanced rail connectivity, and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure. The wider development is projected to create 48,000 local jobs and 15,000 new homes, with economists estimating it could contribute £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy.

Collette Roche, CEO of the new stadium development, described the announcement as a generational opportunity. “The publication of the Wharfside Masterplan marks another significant milestone in our journey to create a new world-class home for Manchester United at the heart of a vibrant and transformational district for Trafford and Greater Manchester,” she said. “The proposed stadium site is ideally located alongside Old Trafford, enabling us to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters, while also providing the connectivity and infrastructure required to deliver a truly world-class fan experience.”

Roche also emphasised that supporter input would remain central to the design process. “We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not simply for them. Atmosphere, affordability and accessibility will remain at the heart of our plans.”

Trafford Council leader Cllr Tim Ross welcomed the masterplan, stressing that the vision extends beyond matchdays. “We want to create a great place to be, not just on matchdays but every day,” he said, adding that a forthcoming public consultation would invite residents and businesses to help shape the development.

The confirmation of the site represents a significant step forward in a project that has been in planning for several years, though United have not yet announced a construction timeline or expected opening date.