Manchester United is considering a naming rights agreement for the revamped Old Trafford as part of its £2bn stadium enhancement strategy, which emphasizes practicality over extravagance.
Collette Roche, the club’s chief executive of New Stadium Development, announced this initiative during the presentation of a proposed master plan for the Old Trafford area.
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The proposed 370-acre development is projected to generate 48,000 jobs and provide 15,000 new homes, featuring a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000, located just 350 yards from the club’s existing ground, on land that was acquired last month.
The master plan clarified the stadium’s location for the first time, although the previously revealed ‘circus tent’ design by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains absent.
Roche emphasized that the plans are still in development, with the club collaborating with designers Foster and Partners, as well as engaging fans in discussions regarding the final designs. They aim to present updates to supporters by late 2026 or early 2027.
While no decisions regarding project funding—initially estimated at £2bn, which could increase—have been made yet, the club is particularly focused on maximizing revenue. The club is currently dealing with over £1.3bn in debt, a consequence of the Glazer family’s 2005 takeover, revolving credit lines, and outstanding transfer fees.
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To address financial concerns, exploring a naming rights deal, akin to those struck by Arsenal with Emirates and Manchester City with Etihad, is on the table.
“From the beginning, we’ve made it clear that this should be a sensible project, not a showy one,” Roche stated.
“I can’t predict what the stadium will ultimately be called, but we’ve openly considered naming rights as a potential revenue stream, which has been a topic of discussion with our fan advisory board.”
“Everyone understands that keeping ticket prices affordable and accessible is crucial. To achieve this, we need to find new revenue sources.”
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“It’s commonly understood that constructing a new stadium is costly.”
Many fans are worried about the club’s ability to manage its current debt. Reports suggest that repayments could reach £50m annually following a refinancing that added approximately $125m (£93.4m) to the club’s liabilities.
At a time when transfer costs and player wages are soaring, some supporters fear that the stadium development might negatively affect the team’s on-field performance.
“There’s no set price at this moment,” Roche noted. “We can’t offer a quote until we complete the design process. Prematurely putting out figures isn’t constructive.”
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“We still have several funding avenues available, including debt, equity, shares, and potential investors. We’ve received numerous inquiries from interested parties eager to participate.”
“We’re not concerned about the level of interest; our focus is on determining the costs and identifying the best funding approach.”
Roche acknowledged that expenses for large infrastructure projects might escalate unexpectedly but cited the £50m upgrade of United’s Carrington training facility, which was completed on time and under budget in August 2025, as an example of the club’s financial prudence.
“People doubted we could achieve that, yet we did,” Roche added.
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Roche was accompanied by Trafford Council leader Tom Ross, who stated that regardless of the outcome of the Greater Manchester mayoral election on July 30, the project will move forward: “The new mayor will be included in meetings, but will not join the development corporation itself.”
Ross also mentioned that discussions with Freightliner regarding the land originally intended for the stadium will continue, as it remains a key component of the overall regeneration project.
“Initially, we aspired to build the stadium on Freightliner land, but for logistical reasons, the new stadium will be placed appropriately,” Ross noted.
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“As a development corporation, we must evaluate possibilities concerning Freightliner land in relation to the strategic rail network, but this is a longer-term discussion.”
United CEO Omar Berrada was also present at the event. Roche downplayed hints from Berrada during a recent visit to the United States that the project might not advance, asserting, “we’ve come too far to turn back now.”
She firmly stated that no public funding will be utilized for the stadium’s construction.
“This is not something we’ve ever considered,” she explained. “As a club, we must be financially independent and cover our stadium costs for multiple reasons.”
“That said, this project is vast and encompasses more than just the stadium. However, we cannot finance a new train station or infrastructure; our funds will strictly support the stadium.”