Many fans are questioning how United will manage servicing its existing debt, with some suggesting annual repayments could rise to around £50m after a refinancing last month added another $125m (£93.4m) to the total owed.
With transfer fees and top-tier wages continuing to soar, some supporters fear a new stadium could negatively affect performances on the pitch.
Roche said there is no definitive price yet, as the project must go through the full design process, and that speculating on figures now would be unhelpful.
She added that all funding avenues remain open, including debt, equity, share issuance, and external investors, noting that many parties have already expressed interest in getting involved.
According to Roche, the club is not concerned about attracting interest; the priority is to establish the final cost and then determine the most suitable way to finance it.
While acknowledging that large infrastructure projects can see costs escalate, she cited United’s £50m Carrington training ground upgrade—completed on time and under budget in August 2025—as proof of the club’s financial discipline.
She noted that, despite doubts from some, the club delivered on that project.
Roche appeared alongside Trafford Council leader Tom Ross.
Ross said the scheme will move forward regardless of who wins the Greater Manchester mayoral election on 30 July, explaining that the new mayor can attend meetings but will not be part of the development corporation itself.
He also confirmed that discussions with Freightliner will continue over the land United initially targeted for the stadium before talks stalled over costs.
That site, he stressed, remains central to the broader regeneration plans.
Ross said the possibility of a stadium on the Freightliner site was explored, but in terms of assembling the necessary land, the new ground will be located where it best fits the overall plan.
He added that, as the area’s development corporation, they must consider future options for the Freightliner land and issues tied to the wider strategic rail network, though that is a longer-term discussion.
United chief executive Omar Berrada also attended the event. Roche downplayed his recent comments in the United States that hinted the project might not proceed, saying the club has already progressed too far.
She was clear that no public funds will be used to build the stadium.
Roche said this was never considered and is not something the club wants to pursue.
She emphasized that the club must be self-sufficient and finance its own stadium for a range of reasons.
However, she noted the wider project extends far beyond the stadium; the club cannot fund items like a new train station or broader infrastructure, as its resources will be focused on the stadium itself.