Agreement advances the project significantly but there are still concerns over funding
Manchester United have moved closer to building a new 100,000-capacity stadium after securing control of most of the land required for the project.
The club have long been planning to build a new ground adjacent to Old Trafford. The full vision is that they plan to create what will become England’s largest football ground.
The recently agreed deal advances the project significantly because it gives United access to a 25-acre site behind the Stretford End. For those aware of the area in England, it is bounded by Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way.
Club executives believe the land provides sufficient space for the proposed stadium, which was unveiled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2025 as the centrepiece of a regeneration scheme for the Old Trafford area.
Collette Roche, United’s chief executive for stadium development, described the land deal as a significant step for the club.
“[Monday’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,” Roche said.
“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.
“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.”
Although this represents considerable progress for United on the project, there are still questions to be asked – and answered – over the final design, cost and funding of the stadium.
In case you missed it, we announced some big news yesterday 👀🏟️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 23, 2026
United have not disclosed how much the land cost or how the acquisition was financed. The club confirmed it purchased the site from Indurent, an industrial property company owned by American Fortune 500 company Blackstone, but did not specify whether it formed part of the Trafford Park holdings reportedly acquired by the investment group in 2023.
The club have also maintained confidence that the project is feasible despite concerns about where the funding will come from. For now, United have not made those details public, but the financing is not expected to affect any of their plans regarding player transfers.
They could provide more information in July when the draft masterplan for the wider regeneration scheme is released.
Earlier this month the club secured $550m (£415m) in financing to refinance debt due in 2027, although it is not clear whether any of those funds were used in the land purchase.
