Expert comment: impact of Manchester United's new stadium

Dr Tony Syme, macroeconomic expert at the University of Salford's Business School, comments: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Lord Coe have outlined an exciting vision for the future. The development of a new 100,000 seat stadium and an urban regeneration project that involves a major transport hub, public spaces, facilities and new homes. Together, this has been projected to generate 92,000 jobs and add £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy.

“These are remarkable figures. For example, the development of Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium was estimated to generate £293 million annually to the economy. In 2017/18 when Wembley Stadium hosted 58 events, there was an annual economic impact of £615 million. There is quite a gap from these recent stadium development and urban regeneration projects to the scale outlined by the Old Trafford project.

“The regeneration project would receive government funding, though there are no specifics on how much would be funded at this stage. Given the scale of the project, this is likely to be a huge undertaking.

“On the development of the new stadium, the finances are also unclear. It is estimated to cost £2 billion and Chief Executive, Omar Berrada, stated that he couldn’t speculate too much on the funding of the stadium as Manchester United was a public limited company. While he added that this would be a very attractive investment opportunity, this should also be considered alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s earlier statement that without his cost-cutting measures at the Club, it could have been bankrupt by the end of this year.

“It was a bold vision that was outlined today with a promise of enormous economic benefits. We do not have the details needed to assess whether this project will even be realised, let along whether such incredible economic benefits will come to fruition.”

Aaron Robertson, Lecturer in Supply Chains, Logistics and Project Management at the University of Salford’s Business School, added: “The announcement presents a fantastic opportunity for Manchester, offering a strong foundation for place-based regeneration and long-term economic growth.

“The impact of this project will extend far beyond construction, it has the potential to shape communities, support workers, and influence the entire built environment sector. To maximise the benefits of growth for Manchester, it is crucial that this development is not viewed in isolation or as a single project. Collaboration with the national ecosystem, engaging industry, policymakers, and local communities will be key to ensuring that growth is resilient, and aligned with the broader needs of the city and the UK.

“Through a coordinated effort, we have the opportunity not just to build a stadium but to shape a future that benefits both the city and the wider sector.”