This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Manchester United remains hopeful that its new stadium, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators, will be ready in time to host the Women's World Cup final in 2035. The project, with an estimated cost of around 2 billion euros, aims to replace the iconic Old Trafford, originally built in 1909. Despite concerns about the apparent lack of progress since the announcement of the plans a year ago, the club's executive director for stadium development, Collette Roche, assures that the project is on track. In statements to MUTV, Roche confirmed that the club expects to submit the licensing application in the next 12 to 18 months, aligning with the ambition of Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham. "Our plan is to host other international sports and entertainment events," Roche stated. "Andy Burnham, the mayor, said that his ambition would be for us to host the Women's World Cup final in 2035, so if we can achieve that, it would be amazing." The project leader clarified the timelines, explaining that while construction will take between four to five years, the preparatory phase, which includes land acquisition, securing financing, and obtaining licenses, could take one to two years. "That’s the part we are in now. So, we haven’t set an opening date, but we are meeting the deadlines," she assured. One of the biggest challenges has been acquiring additional land around Old Trafford, particularly negotiations with Freightliner for the adjacent cargo terminal. However, Roche indicated that there may be significant progress soon. "I have been spending a lot of time talking to all the local landowners […] and we are making very, very good progress. I hope to share positive news about that in the coming months," she revealed. Collette Roche emphasized that the goal is to create a venue that honors the club's past but is also prepared for the future. "We want to build a stadium that is worthy of our past but also suitable for the future. We want to ensure that we keep what is important, the special memories […] and create a new stadium that retains that essence: the game day routines, the excitement, the intimidating atmosphere for visiting fans." In addition to the land issue, the club faces other obstacles, such as securing public funding for the regeneration of the surrounding area and private investment for the stadium. Roche expressed optimism, stating that there is "a lot of interest" from organizations willing to invest not only in the stadium but in the entire district. Collaboration with local authorities, including the newly created Mayoral Development Corporation, chaired by Lord Seb Coe and supported by Andy Burnham and Tom Ross, leader of Trafford, was highlighted as crucial for the success of the ambitious project.
Old Trafford Manchester United remains central to this story.
Old Trafford Manchester United remains central to this story.
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