Three-quarters of Manchester United fans back move from Old Trafford to new 100,000-seat stadium

Manchester United have confirmed their new 100,000-seat stadium will rise approximately 350 metres from Old Trafford, on land recently purchased from Indurent, as the club released further details following a meeting of the Wharfside Strategic Masterplan. The announcement comes alongside a fan poll showing stronger-than-expected support for the controversial move.

Of the 4,463 supporters surveyed, 75 per cent said they were happy with the decision to leave the Theatre of Dreams, with only 25 per cent opposed. The result suggests that despite the emotional weight attached to Old Trafford — one of English football’s most storied grounds — a clear majority of fans are willing to embrace a purpose-built replacement.

The club has been keen to stress that proximity to the current stadium is deliberate. Collette Roche, CEO of the new stadium development, said the proposed 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 framed the project as a generational opportunity, describing the publication of the Wharfside Masterplan as “another significant milestone” in the club’s journey. “Together with our partners, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a destination that creates lasting benefits for supporters, local communities and the wider region for decades to come,” she said.

United have also sought to address concerns that a new build could sever ties with Old Trafford’s identity. The club insists the new ground will honour the history and traditions of its predecessor, and Roche emphasised that supporter input will remain central to the design process. “We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not simply for them,” she said. “Atmosphere, affordability and accessibility will remain at the heart of our plans.”

The Wharfside development is envisioned as a broader urban regeneration project for the Trafford and Greater Manchester area, with the stadium positioned as the centrepiece of a wider district transformation.