3.7 Trillion KRW · 100,000 Seats Manchester United New Stadium... 13.7 Trillion KRW Economic Effect · 92,000 Jobs Created
by Kim Jinsun
Published 12 Mar.2025 09:25(KST)
Old Trafford, where Park Jisung played numerous matches for Manchester United
Expected to become the largest stadium in the UK
"We will create the most iconic and recognized stadium in the world"
English professional football club Manchester United (Man Utd) is set to build a new 100,000-seat home stadium at a cost of 2 billion pounds (approximately 3.7 trillion won).
Man Utd announced plans to construct the new stadium near Old Trafford, their home ground for 115 years since 1910, according to reports from Reuters and AP on the 11th (local time).
Once completed, the new home stadium is expected to surpass London's Wembley Stadium as the largest stadium in the UK. BBC reported that the existing Old Trafford stadium, which has a capacity of 74,000 seats, is likely to be demolished after the new stadium is completed.
The released concept images show that the stadium will feature canopies capable of collecting rainwater and solar energy. Three 200-meter-high masts will also be installed.
Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner who acquired a 29% stake in Man Utd, told reporters last year, "The current stadium has served excellently for 115 years, but it falls behind the world's best stadiums," adding, "We will create the most iconic and recognized stadium in the world."
Man Utd expects that this stadium construction and regional redevelopment project will generate an annual added value of 7.3 billion pounds (approximately 13.7 trillion won) and create 92,000 jobs for the UK economy. The demolition of the current stadium is expected to be an emotional moment for Man Utd fans.
Football legend Bobby Charlton, who led England to World Cup victory in 1966, called Old Trafford the "Theatre of Dreams." It is also known as the home ground of the 'Busby Babes' and 'Ferguson's Fledglings,' led by Man Utd's most successful managers Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson.
For Korean football fans, Old Trafford is known as the home stadium where Park Ji-sung played numerous matches during his time at Man Utd from 2005 to 2012. Since 2006, Old Trafford has not undergone significant renovations and its facilities have become considerably outdated.
Ferguson said, "Old Trafford has given me many special personal memories, but we must bravely seize the opportunity to build a new home fit for the future where new history will be made."
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