(foto: Screenshot)
Manchester United’s ambitious new stadium project has entered a quiet phase as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS push forward with plans amid land talks and wider regeneration efforts.
Manchester United’s plans for a 100,000-seater stadium have gone quiet in recent weeks, but work is still happening behind the scenes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group pursue their £2 billion dream project.
Back in March, excitement grew after a high-profile presentation at the London offices of Foster + Partners showcased conceptual designs for a modern ‘tent’-style ground that would replace or heavily redevelop Old Trafford. But since then, updates have been sparse.
According to Daily Mail, that silence is due to the project entering a “boring phase” involving land acquisition and government-level talks. The club is currently negotiating with Freightliner to buy adjacent land that’s currently a freight terminal. Relocation discussions are underway, with Port Salford or Parkside floated as alternative sites.
The wider vision includes regeneration of the Old Trafford area, and the stadium’s timeline will depend heavily on local authority and government support. United hopes work can begin later this year or by early 2026, pending agreement on funding and planning.
The “tent” stadium design shown in March is still only a conceptual pitch, though sources close to the club say Ratcliffe is personally enthusiastic about it becoming reality. However, no official construction timeline has been revealed.
Some fans and observers have questioned whether Ratcliffe would push forward with such a huge investment while the Glazer family remains the majority owner. The report notes that Ratcliffe, a seasoned businessman, likely has safeguards in place to protect the club’s interests and his own during such a high-stakes development.
Meanwhile, United are focused on the pitch as Ruben Amorim prepares for the Europa League final against Tottenham on May 21. Victory would mean major silverware and a return to the Champions League, adding even more momentum to Ratcliffe’s long-term transformation plans for the club.