Manchester United to leave Old Trafford for new £2bn stadium with 100,000-capacity

Manchester United have announced plans to build a new £2 billion stadium, leaving their historic Old Trafford home.

The new 100,000-capacity ground will be constructed adjacent to the current stadium, with an official announcement expected in December, as reported by SunSport.

The decision follows extensive fact-finding missions to other iconic venues, including Spain’s Bernabeu and Nou Camp, both of which have undergone significant renovations.

According to reports, United officials also studied the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the club recently played against Arsenal, to learn about its role in regenerating the Inglewood area.

Completed in 2020 as part of a £4 billion “Hollywood Complex,” the SoFi Stadium, funded by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, will host six World Cup games in 2026, including the opener.

Inspired by this model, Manchester United aim to not only build a new stadium but also revitalize the Trafford area.

Logistical challenges and potential costs exceeding those of a new build influenced the decision for the Red Devils to start fresh.

Additionally, ongoing construction would have reduced capacity or necessitated a temporary move.

Club officials emphasize the need for a state-of-the-art facility befitting United’s stature while maintaining the club’s identity.

Old Trafford has been the team’s home since 1910, undergoing multiple expansions over the years.

The new stadium project, expected to be completed by 2030, is still in the funding discussion phase, with a combination of public and private funding being considered.