Manchester United have announced their ambition to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final in a proposed new 100,000-seat stadium, which would become the largest football venue in the UK. The planned state-of-the-art ground, located near the existing Old Trafford site, is expected to be the centrepiece of a major £2 billion regeneration project.
The club remains committed to completing the stadium within five to six years, aligning with a vision first made public earlier this year. Despite skepticism from industry experts regarding the aggressive timeline, Manchester United remains confident that the target is still achievable.
The United Kingdom is currently the sole bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, with the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland working on a joint proposal. This includes plans to present a comprehensive bid to FIFA before the end of the year. Manchester United believe the new stadium would be fully operational well before the tournament begins, making it a prime candidate to host the final match.
A critical figure in the wider development effort is the newly appointed Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation, who has a proven track record in managing large-scale projects. He will oversee the transformation of the area around Old Trafford, working closely with club officials and local authorities to create a broader vision that includes housing, green spaces, leisure, and educational facilities.
The stadium is envisioned as the centerpiece of a vibrant new district that blends world-class sport with community-focused development. However, significant challenges lie ahead. Key concerns include the feasibility of the timeline, rising global interest rates, land acquisition complexities, and questions around financing.
Current discussions on funding the project are ongoing, even as the club also addresses the refinancing of its existing debt, with major financial instruments set to mature in 2027. Rather than adding new stadium-related debt to this burden, alternative financing options are being explored. These could include the creation of a subsidiary company to manage the stadium or attracting outside investment. A direct cash injection from existing owners or a major share sale, while technically possible, is not considered likely at this stage.
Another hurdle is the acquisition of nearby land, including a site currently used for freight operations. Progress on this front will be vital to fully realizing the ambitious scale of the project.
The club’s chief operating officer will lead internal efforts, including a series of consultations with fans to refine key design elements such as seating arrangements and ticket pricing. Planning permission has not yet been submitted, and the club is also engaged in conversations with local government regarding transport infrastructure improvements to support the increased capacity.
The broader vision for the area goes beyond football. The goal is to create an inclusive, future-focused district that benefits residents and visitors alike. The regeneration aims to deliver social and economic value, comparable in ambition to previous major national sporting projects.
With early plans unveiled and leadership in place, Manchester United’s bold push to play a central role in hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events is taking shape—despite the road ahead being complex and potentially long.
