Manchester United has set its sights on hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup final in their ambitious new £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium. The club unveiled plans for this iconic venue in March, aiming to construct the largest stadium in the UK, located near the historic Old Trafford. Despite skepticism from external experts regarding the ambitious timeline, the club remains optimistic about completing the project within five to six years.

The Vision Behind the New Stadium

The new stadium is part of a broader regeneration project for the Old Trafford area, led by Lord Coe, who has been appointed as the Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation. Lord Coe, known for his leadership in delivering the 2012 London Olympics, emphasized that this project is about more than just a stadium. It aims to create a vibrant, inclusive district with high-quality housing, green spaces, world-class leisure facilities, and improved transport links.

Challenges and Financing

Building a stadium of this scale is no small feat. Industry experts have highlighted potential delays, particularly around financing. The club is currently in discussions about funding the £2bn project, which coincides with negotiations to refinance significant portions of Manchester United's existing debt. While the Glazer family and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have the option to invest directly or reduce their stake through a share sale, these options are considered unlikely. Instead, the club may explore forming a subsidiary company to own the stadium, potentially attracting external investment.

The Road to 2035

The 2035 Women's World Cup is expected to be held across the United Kingdom, which is currently the sole bidder for the tournament. The Football Association is working on a bid to present to FIFA by the end of the year, outlining its vision for the event. Manchester United's new stadium is anticipated to be operational well before 2035, aligning with Ratcliffe's vision of a 'new' Old Trafford.

Fan Involvement and Next Steps

Manchester United's Chief Operating Officer, Collette Roche, will lead the project, with fan focus groups set to discuss key aspects such as seating and pricing options in upcoming meetings. While the timeline for submitting planning permission remains unclear, the club is committed to addressing critical issues like transport expansion with local government support.

A Legacy Beyond Football

Lord Coe expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This is about so much more than just a stadium. It's about listening to and working with residents to create a vibrant, inclusive district." With a legacy that includes the 2012 Olympics, Lord Coe is ready to help deliver a vision of equal scale and ambition for Manchester United and the surrounding community.

This project represents a significant step forward for Manchester United, aiming to cement its place as a global leader in football and community development.