Manchester United is planning to explore the possibility of a naming rights deal for their new stadium, which is part of their £2 billion redevelopment plans for Old Trafford. The news was confirmed by United’s New Stadium Development chief executive, Collette Roche, at the unveiling of a draft masterplan for the wider Old Trafford area.
Source: s.yimg.com
Stadium Plans and Funding
The 370-acre development is expected to create 48,000 jobs and 15,000 new homes, with the 100,000-capacity stadium located 350 yards from the current home of Manchester United. The club has acquired the land for the new stadium and has confirmed that they will be consulting with fans and designers Foster and Partners over the next few months to finalise the exact designs.
Roche insisted that the plans were not set in stone and that the club would be open to exploring different options for funding the project. The initial estimated cost of the project was £2 billion, but this could rise further depending on various factors.
Debt and Revenue Streams
Manchester United is currently more than £1.3 billion in debt due to a combination of legacy costs incurred by the Glazer takeover in 2005, a revolving credit limit, and outstanding transfer payments. The club is looking to generate revenue streams in other areas to help service their debt and make the stadium project more affordable.
Roche said that the club would be exploring different options for generating revenue, including naming rights deals. She also stated that the club would be consulting with their fan advisory board to get their input on the project.
No Public Money to be Used
The club has confirmed that no public money will be used for the construction of the stadium. Roche stated that the club needs to stand on its own two feet and pay for the stadium themselves. However, the project is massive, and the club cannot afford to pay for new infrastructure such as a train station.
Trafford Council leader Tom Ross also spoke at the event, confirming that the project would proceed as planned, regardless of who wins the Greater Manchester mayoral election on 30 July. He also stated that talks would continue with Freightliner over the land United had hoped to use for their new stadium before switching as talks around costs stalled.
Design and Consultation
The designs for the stadium will be finalised over the next few months, and the club will be consulting with fans and designers Foster and Partners to get their input. Roche stated that the club wants to make sure that the stadium is designed with the fans in mind and that it meets their needs.
The club has also confirmed that they will be exploring different options for the design of the stadium, including the ‘circus tent’ design unveiled by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2025. However, the exact design of the stadium has not been finalised yet.
Roche also pointed out that the £50m upgrade of United’s Carrington training ground, delivered on time and under budget in August 2025, was evidence of financial discipline at the club. She stated that the club is committed to delivering the project on time and within budget.
The club has also confirmed that they will be exploring different options for funding the project, including debt, equity, shares, and other investors. Roche stated that the club has had a lot of approaches from investors who are interested in being part of the project.
