Manchester United's proposed new stadium may not be completed until 2035, according to official planning documentation. This timeline represents a further slip for the £2bn-plus project, which was first announced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2025.
At the time of the announcement, Ratcliffe had suggested a five-year completion window. Subsequent reports had indicated a readiness by 2030, with Collette Roche, chief executive of United's New Stadium Development, later discussing a potential opening closer to 2032.
However, the Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan Consultation Draft, produced by Trafford Council, omits the stadium from its first phase of delivery (2025-2030). Instead, the 100,000-seater venue is slated for phase two, spanning from 2031 to 2035.
The club reportedly hopes the new venue could host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final, which is due to be held in the UK. Meeting this deadline would require overcoming significant hurdles, including securing the necessary funding.