Manchester United have secured the majority of the land required for their proposed 100,000-seat stadium, marking a significant step forward in plans to build Britain’s largest football venue.
The Premier League club announced on Monday that it had acquired a 25-acre site located around 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford from industrial property provider Indurent and a Blackstone portfolio company. The land will form a key part of the proposed £2 billion development next to the club’s historic home.
United said building the new stadium close to Old Trafford would allow supporters to retain many of the traditions and matchday rituals associated with the venue, which has been the club’s home since 1910.
“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,” said Collette Roche, chief executive of United’s stadium development project.
The club unveiled plans for the new stadium last year, with minority owner Jim Ratcliffe favouring a new build rather than a major redevelopment of Old Trafford. The existing stadium, which holds more than 74,000 spectators, has faced criticism in recent years over infrastructure issues, including a leaking roof and drainage problems.
United chief executive Omar Berrada previously warned that investment in the project could affect squad spending and competitiveness for several years. However, the club enters the new season on a positive note after finishing third under Michael Carrick and securing a return to the Champions League.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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