Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new minority owner of Manchester United, is reportedly eager to create a “Wembley of the North” that would rival London’s iconic 90,000-seat stadium.
Manchester United is set to unveil plans for a new stadium on the Old Trafford site by the end of the year. The preferred option involves constructing a cutting-edge, 100,000-seat venue adjacent to the current stadium, with an estimated cost of around £2 billion and a target completion date of 2030. An alternative is to renovate the existing Old Trafford, though this would require reducing the stadium’s capacity from 75,000 to about 40,000 during the renovation, or relocating temporarily.
To explore these options, United has established the Old Trafford Task Force, which has conducted global site visits to study stadium designs and operations. This includes examining the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, renowned for its impressive scale and community impact, where United recently played a pre-season match against Arsenal.
Ratcliffe, now managing football operations at United, envisions not just a new stadium but a comprehensive regeneration of the Old Trafford area, enhancing local amenities and job opportunities.
The SoFi Stadium project, financed by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke at a cost of approximately £4 billion, has revitalized its surrounding area into a vibrant neighborhood featuring a 6,000-seat concert venue, residential units, and hotels. United aims to model their project on SoFi, integrating the stadium’s development with broader urban renewal.
Funding for the new stadium is expected to come from a blend of private investments and public support, including government contributions for necessary transportation upgrades.
Former United striker Andy Cole, currently on the club’s pre-season tour in the US, was struck by the positive transformation brought by SoFi Stadium. He believes that a similar project could significantly benefit Manchester.
“What stood out to me was how SoFi Stadium has been a catalyst for revitalizing Inglewood,” Cole said. “This area wasn’t a go-to spot for visitors, but it’s now thriving, thanks to SoFi. I see a parallel opportunity for Manchester with a new or renovated Old Trafford. It could be the heart of a major urban revival.
“Manchester United fans and everyone in the north deserve a stadium that matches the best in the world. SoFi has set a high benchmark, and that’s the standard we should aim for. Such a stadium would not only attract top talent but also offer fans an unparalleled experience.”