Coe leads Manchester Utd stadium project

Article posted by Coliseum, July 16^th, 2025

Image: Foster and Partners

Manchester United have handed a lead role in the planning of their new 100,000-seater stadium to British Olympic legend Lord Sebastian Coe.

The Mirror said that In March, Manchester United unveiled images and scaled models of the new stadium which will cost an estimated £2 billion and be designed by Architecture firm Foster + Partners.

United have appointed the four-time Olympic medallist, who remains the only man to have won gold in the 1500m event twice. Coe, 68, will be the face of the project.

Officials have targeted hosting the Women’s World Cup final in 2035 – five years after they hope to have United themselves playing there.

The club’s current Old Trafford stadium has served them for the past 115 years but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

By building next to the existing site, Manchester United will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience.

A new stadium would also be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment, not just during the construction phase, but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete.

Club chiefs want the Red Devils to be in their new home for the start of the 2030-31 season, although there are multiple hurdles to get over first.

United are said to be at loggerheads with a local business over a piece of land which is vital to the project, with new housing, an open cinema and much more part of their plans.

The club’s progress has been stunted by a failure to come to an agreement over the Freightliner Terminal which is behind the Stretford End.

It’s said that landowners Brookfield remain a substantial distance from United in terms of valuation.

Coe will be publicly announced as ‘Chair-Designate’ of the Mayoral Development Corporation for the Old Trafford Regeneration project by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The ex-Team GB hero had previously led a task force assessing the future of Old Trafford.

Coe is also a close friend of Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who hopes that the new stadium will be his legacy as well as bringing sustained success back to United.

‌Coe said “I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth.

“That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester’s moment has come. Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there’s huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium.

“And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035. The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family.”

United chief executive Omar Berrada added: “This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy.

“We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive. In addition, Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.”

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