A proposed new stadium for Manchester
Manchester United and a government-backed regeneration task force have set out an ambition for a new stadium of up to 100,000 seats. The design and location remain subject to further work, consultation and planning.
What has now been confirmed
On the publication of the Trafford Wharfside Masterplan, Manchester United confirmed the proposed location for its new 100,000-seat stadium. The masterplan was published by Trafford Council alongside the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Proposed stadium capacity
North-west of the existing Old Trafford
Total Trafford Wharfside masterplan area
Cited economic uplift to the UK economy
“The proposed stadium site is ideally located alongside Old Trafford, enabling us to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters.”
Source: Manchester United — Revealing the location of our new stadium · Trafford Council — Trafford Wharfside Masterplan.
Concept only — not a final designIllustrative concept sketch. Manchester Connected does not present unofficial renders as confirmed designs.
Important
The three-mast concept published in 2025 is an early concept rather than a confirmed final design. The proposed location has also developed since the concept was first presented.
Capacity ambition
proposedUp to 100,000 seats. Final capacity subject to design and business-case development.
Proposed location
proposedApproximately 350 metres north-west of the existing Old Trafford stadium. Final boundary subject to confirmation.
Published design concepts
proposedAn early three-mast concept has been published. It is a concept only, not a finalised architectural design.
What is confirmed
confirmedA new stadium has been proposed and a regeneration task force is examining the site and surrounding area.
What remains undecided
unconfirmedThe final design, exact footprint, construction start date, delivery route and long-term future of the existing stadium.
Official masterplan visuals
Indicative visuals released by Manchester United with the Trafford Wharfside Masterplan announcement, showing the proposed Stadium District and surrounding neighbourhoods. All images are indicative and do not represent the final plans.
Image source: Manchester United — Revealing the location of our new stadium. Visuals were originally published by Manchester United with the Trafford Wharfside Masterplan announcement. Copyright remains with Manchester United, Trafford Council and Foster + Partners; reproduced here with attribution for reporting and public-interest reference.
Questions still awaiting answers
What is the final architectural design?
To be confirmed
What is the exact stadium footprint and boundary?
To be confirmed
How will the project be funded?
To be confirmed
When will a planning application be submitted?
To be confirmed
When will construction start and finish?
To be confirmed
What happens to the existing Old Trafford?
To be confirmed
Where to see the published renders
Manchester Connected does not rehost copyrighted renders. The images released to date are held by Manchester United, Foster + Partners and the Trafford Wharfside regeneration task force. Follow the links below to view them at source, where the credits and context published alongside them are preserved.
© Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners — new Manchester United stadium
Foster + Partners' project page for the proposed stadium, including the practice's own published renders and design commentary.
View at source© Manchester United
Manchester United — official stadium announcement
The club's newsroom announcement of the proposed new stadium, featuring the officially released imagery.
View at sourceOld Trafford Regeneration Task Force
Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force — report
The task force's published materials on the wider Trafford Wharfside regeneration proposals, including area masterplan visuals.
View at sourceTrafford Council
Trafford Council — Trafford Wharfside masterplan
Local authority planning material for the Trafford Wharfside area surrounding the proposed stadium site.
View at source
Copyright in the published renders rests with their respective owners. Manchester Connected links to primary sources so readers can view official imagery in the context in which it was released, rather than reproducing it here.