Lord Coe to Lead Manchester United Stadium Project

Manchester United has appointed Olympic legend and World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation to lead the £2-2.7 billion project for a new 100,000-seat stadium, targeting completion by the 2030-31 season. The stadium forms part of a larger £4.2 billion Old Trafford regeneration plan, which also aims to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final as the UK and Ireland jointly bid to stage the event. Coe will focus on planning, land assembly, and infrastructure investment, including navigating disputes over key land acquisitions such as the Freightliner Terminal. The project is supported by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, local leaders, and is set to drive regional redevelopment with new jobs and housing. While architectural designs are already unveiled, planning applications and final financing—potentially via external investment or debt refinancing—are still in progress. This marks a major step for Manchester United and the regeneration of the Greater Manchester area.