Old Trafford exit edges closer as Man United acquire land

Manchester United have secured the majority of the land required for their proposed new 100,000-seater stadium.

The club have announced they have acquired a 25-acre site close to Old Trafford, taking a major step forward in their plans to build the biggest sporting arena in the UK.

The purchase of the triangular-shaped plot 350 metres to the north west of their existing stadium means adjacent land owned by Freightliner will not be required.

The location of the nearby freight terminal had previously been a complicating factor.

Collette Roche, chief executive of the new stadium development, 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.

"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.

"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."

United first unveiled plans for their ambitious €2.3billion stadium in March 2025.

Old Trafford has been home to the 13-time English Premier League champions since 1910. The stadium, which seats more than 74,000, has not undergone any major redevelopment since 2006 and has also faced issues including a leaking roof, inadequate drainage and rodent sightings.

Minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, who holds a roughly 29% stake and oversees football operations, has favoured building a brand-new stadium over renovating Old Trafford.

United CEO Omar Berrada said in March last year the investment in the new stadium could affect squad spending and competitiveness for five years.

The venue will be the centre-piece of a wider 370-acre regeneration project featuring 15,000 new homes and creating 48,000 new jobs locally and 90,000 nationally.

A masterplan and details of a formal consultation period will be published on 9 July.

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