Sources told BBC Sport that only the national government can change the multi-billion-pound masterplan, no matter which party the next mayor after Burnham represents.
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief executive for the new stadium project, said the latest development marks significant progress toward creating a world-class home for the club and signals the move into the next phase. She added that building close to Old Trafford will help protect the club’s heritage and matchday traditions, and that the project is being shaped with supporters in mind, prioritizing atmosphere, affordability, and accessibility. She called it a once-in-a-generation opportunity aligned with local and national growth goals, noting that securing the right site has been crucial.
Despite skepticism about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision—dismissed by some as a “circus tent”—club officials remain confident. They have not disclosed the purchase price of the land or the funding source.
On 12 June, United said it had secured $550m (£415.35m) to repay $425m (£320.95m) of bonds due in June 2027. It is unclear whether any surplus from that financing was used for this deal.
United confirmed it bought the land from Indurent, an industrial space provider owned by Blackstone, but did not say whether it is the same Trafford Park site Blackstone reportedly acquired for £275–280m in 2023.
The club believes the chosen location offers better potential for new Metrolink stops and wider rail connections, helping transport fans to what would be the largest stadium in England.
Further details on how the proposals fit within the wider Mayoral Development Corporation are expected on 9 July, when the draft masterplan is unveiled at Old Trafford.