Manchester United are advancing plans to build a new 100,000 seat stadium near their historic Old Trafford home in a project expected to cost more than KSh 347 billion (£2 billion). The proposed venue would become the largest football stadium in the United Kingdom and form part of a wider regeneration programme aimed at transforming the surrounding area.

The project was first announced in March 2025 and would replace Old Trafford, which has been the club’s home since 1910. The existing stadium accommodates more than 74,000 spectators, meaning the proposed arena would significantly increase United’s matchday capacity.

The new stadium is planned for a site approximately 350 metres north west of the current ground. Architectural firm Foster + Partners is involved in the design process, although the final details are still being developed as the club continues consulting supporters.

According to TUKO, Manchester United spent £63.5 million, approximately KSh 11.03 billion, to acquire about 25 acres of land for the development.

The construction cost of the stadium alone is estimated to exceed £2 billion, equivalent to approximately KSh 347 billion at the conversion used in the report. The figure is an estimate rather than a final construction bill, and the overall cost could depend on the project's final design and implementation.

The club intends to finance the stadium privately, with naming rights and commercial partnerships among the potential revenue sources being considered. However, the project's financing arrangements and final costs remain subject to further development.

United's leadership sees the proposed stadium as a long term investment in the club's future, with the larger capacity and modern facilities expected to strengthen its matchday and commercial operations.

The stadium is expected to anchor a much larger regeneration programme in the Trafford Wharfside area of Greater Manchester.

Draft proposals include the development of up to 15,000 homes, thousands of employment opportunities, improved transport connections and additional green spaces. A possible new railway station is also among the transport improvements being considered.

The wider regeneration programme is projected to contribute approximately £7.3 billion annually to Greater Manchester's economy, according to the estimates outlined in the report.

These plans extend beyond football, with the proposed development intended to create a district that supports sport, entertainment, housing and other activities throughout the year.

Manchester United have continued engaging supporters as work on the proposed stadium progresses.

In late October 2026, the club launched another fan consultation exercise seeking views on the stadium's design and the future matchday experience. Supporters are being asked to provide feedback on the venue's atmosphere, the club's heritage and traditions, accessibility, transport and the wider stadium district.

The consultation reflects the club's intention to incorporate supporters' priorities as the design develops. Questions surrounding the preservation of United's identity, ticket affordability and the matchday experience remain important considerations as plans move forward.

Current reporting puts the formal planning application process around late 2027 or early 2028. If the necessary approvals are secured, construction is expected to take approximately five years, with a potential opening around 2035.

These dates remain targets rather than guaranteed deadlines. The project's progress will depend on planning approval, the completion of the design process and other development requirements.

If delivered as envisioned, the new stadium would represent a major transformation for Manchester United, increasing the club's capacity while reshaping the area surrounding its historic home.

For now, however, the proposed 100,000 seat arena remains a project under development, with its ultimate cost, final design and opening date yet to be definitively established.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/sports/football/644366-manchester-uniteds-100000-seat-stadium-what-sh-347b-project/