Manchester United, their chief architects and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force have finally revealed their first impressions of what the new stadium and surrounding area could look like.
After naming Foster + Partners as the lead designers on the new ‘Wembley of the North’ last week and teasing further details surrounding their Old Trafford masterplan, supports now have their first glimpse at what the task force is hoping can be achieved with the soon-to-be-redeveloped stadium and region.
In addition to creating over 92,000 jobs in the immediate area and across nearby boroughs, one of the biggest claims they have made is that the regeneration scheme will inject an “extra £7.3 billion in GVA [gross value added] for the UK economy each year.”
Presuming these projections are to be believed, Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham might be right when he says this could be “the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in this country.”
Old Trafford update 🏟️
An economic report has explored the benefits of regenerating our stadium and surrounding area ⤵️#MUFC
Man United shared the lengthy reel featuring concept art and quotes from figures partnering with the Old Trafford Regeneration scheme, including Mayor Burnham, club legend and local entrepreneur Gary Neville and task force’s chair, Lord Sebastian Coe, among others.
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Coe, a retired Olympic track and field athlete himself turned sports administrator and former politician, echoed Burnham’s sentiment, adding: “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something special.”
Lord Foster (of Foster + Partners), who was born just down the road in Reddish, Stockport, also expressed his excitement about being part of the project and building upon “the foundations of Manchester’s industrial heritage.”
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The club stated that the overall scheme “will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world”, and the Mayor assured no public money will be used in the development.
You see some snapshots of the would-be teaser video down below:
The first impressions of what a new Old Trafford stadium could be look like (Credit: Man United via screenshot)
The plans will see ‘New Trafford’ – we have no idea if that’s actually its name or not, by the way, just an easy working title for our purposes – erected as the first 100,000-seater stadium not only in the North but the entire country, surpassing the current largest (Wembley) by a full 10k.
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However, as the full update from United explains, the plans go far beyond just creating a new football ground: they want to develop the entire Old Trafford district and pump money into both already valuable areas like the Trafford Park industrial complex and under-utilised areas.
The regeneration team has also been tasked with helping carve out plans for “new mixed-use developments around the stadium and in the adjacent Trafford Wharfside area” as well as along the River Irwell towards Salford Quays.
As you see, while these small snippets might only be artistic impressions at this stage, the CGIs have also been backed up by the first models designed by the architects.
You can see more here:
The plan is to make the Old Trafford area a full on sporting, leisure and entertainment destination.Credit: Man United x Old Trafford Regeneration (screenshot)/Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
Other stats about the Old Trafford Regeneration scheme that follow these first impressions include an estimated 1.8 million additional visitors to the multi-purpose stadium and more than 17,000 new homes following investment in the surrounding areas.
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The club and their regeneration task force are eyeing up a total of one million square meters of new developments/redeveloped plots, so it goes without saying that this could change the face of a good chunk of Greater Manchester forever.
With talk that Man United now intend to keep the existing Theatre of Dreams to house the women’s team and preserve their storied history – rather than bulldoze as many first feared – what you do make of this first look at the potential future of your stadium, Reds?
Paul Merson slams ‘pathetic’ plans for Manchester United’s new stadium
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer and pundit Paul Merson has branded the recently revealed plans for Manchester United’s new stadium as “pathetic” in a recent interview.
The former Arsenal and Aston Villa turned manager, commentator and TV personality spoke to Sky Sports this week after the CGIs for what some supporters are already dubbing ‘New Trafford’ were shown to the world on Tuesday.
Now, while it’s fair to say the designs have been pretty divisive, for Merson it’s still a headscratcher as to why United supporters want to leave such a historic ground and one that is still the second-largest football stadium in the country for something new and so different.
The 56-year-old didn’t hold back when giving his opinion on the matter, insisting, “If I was a Man United fan I’d be fuming.”
"I think it's pathetic…if I'm a Man United fan, I'll be fuming"
Paul Merson shares his honest opinion on Manchester United's new stadium plans 😨 pic.twitter.com/A74xeKwkpG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2025
As you can see, ‘Merse’ begins by saying he has “no interest at all”, adding that he thinks “It’s pathetic […] they’ve got one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League” and therefore aren’t necessarily crying out for more seats, nor an entirely new sporting arena.
It’s worth noting that Old Trafford’s capacity hasn’t necessarily been the issue or priority in recent years: dated facilities, lack of technology such as screens for VAR and the infamous leaking roof, which has been taken into account by architects Foster + Partners.
“Why would you need a new stadium?”, he asks, before going on to suggest that they “need new players” instead and should be more worried about the team and finishing in the top six, “let alone Champions League.”
It’s no secret that the Red Devils’ steady slump out of the premier European competition has cost them significantly in recent years, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delivering some alarming revelations about the state of the club’s finances in an interview with Gary Neville prior to the stadium reveal.
Merson summarises his opinion by saying, “I can’t believe what I’ve been seeing over the last couple of days – I’m flabbergasted.” Meanwhile, many people are chiefly concerned with how the stadium is going to be paid for, despite Mayor Andy Burnham’s reassurance that “no public money” will be used.
‘New Trafford’ is set to cost £2 billion and could be completed within five years.
Merson might have very strong opinions on Man United building a new stadium, to begin with, but what we’ve really enjoyed is seeing people’s reactions to the admittedly striking design.
Soccer Aid is back for 2025 and returning to Old Trafford
Danny Jones
One of the biggest, best and most wholesome charity events on the UK TV and sporting calendar is coming around once again for 2025 and we can’t wait to have it back home: that’s right, Soccer Aid is back at Old Trafford.
The annual charity match on behalf of UNICEF first kicked off at the Theatre of Dreams almost two full decades ago, with the inaugural fixture set up by Robbie Williams back in 2006.
Fast forward to 19 years later and the fantastic fundraising game has grown massively, attracting huge attendances and practically sold-out crowds whenever it comes to Old Trafford, where this whole wonderful thing first started.
Sharing the first trailer for the game this week, the Soccer Aid 2025 is shaping up to include some serious big personalities from football, sport, entertainment and beyond.
As you can see, not only will the next instalment of Soccer Aid feature familiar faces but there are some new kids on the block ready to mix things up.
First off, not only will Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney be serving as player/manager for the first time – carrying on the baton from the days Robbie running on and off the pitch – but he will also be joined by none other than Tyson Fury in looking after the Three Lions.
This a first for the event so we hope there are no fisticuffs between the gaffer and his assistant. After all, they both have priors when it comes to getting out the boxing gloves.
As for the World XI’s technical area, actor Vicky McClure (This Is England, Line of Duty) will also be on the touchline alongside English footballing veteran Harry Redknapp. Meanwhile, ex-national team and Man City goalie, David James, will be serving as the keeper coach.
You can see the full Soccer Aid 2025 player lineup down below:
Better yet, the exhibition’s beloved halftime show also returns this year and while the full list of the performers is yet to be confirmed, we have our money on a few names in particular.
Who knows, maybe we’ll be ‘loving angles instead’?…
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 gets underway this summer on Sunday, 15 June and besides being for a deeply important cause, one of the best parts about it is that the tickets are always affordable.
With general admission already live, tickets start from £20 for adults and just £10 for kids – plus there are plenty of premium packages and accessible options too.
Danny Jones -
24th September 2024 
