Listed

09/07/2026

The Future of Old Trafford: The Next Phase Begins

This is the email newsletter sent to members on 9th July 2026. If you are not a member you can sign up (Free Lite or Paid Full Member) here: imust.org.uk/join


The Future of Old Trafford

The next phase begins — we need your voice

Dear [[FIRST_NAME]],

Few decisions in Manchester United's history will have a greater impact than the future of Old Trafford.

Manchester United has confirmed the proposed location for a new 100,000-seat stadium, approximately 350 metres north-west of the current Old Trafford, as part of the wider Trafford Wharfside regeneration project.

Today's announcement is not the end of the conversation.

In many ways, it is where the most important discussions begin.

The club has confirmed that supporter consultation will continue as the project moves into the next phase. MUST welcomes that — but we believe consultation should not simply continue. It should intensify.

As plans become more detailed, supporters need genuine opportunities to influence them before key decisions are taken.

Why independent consultation matters

Supporters must have the opportunity to express their views not only through consultation organised by or on behalf of the club, but also through an independent, supporter-led process.

That is where MUST has an important role to play.

Over the past few months we have consulted thousands of supporters on the future of Old Trafford and the wider regeneration project. Next week we will present the findings from our latest survey, responded to by more than 3,200 supporters, directly to the club. We will also publish the full report for members so everyone can see exactly what supporters have told us.

Our objective is simple: to ensure supporters' views genuinely influence decisions before they are made, not simply react to them afterwards.

This is about more than choosing between two stadiums

This is one of the most significant and emotive issues Manchester United supporters have faced in generations.

Many supporters hold very strong views that Old Trafford should be preserved and redeveloped rather than replaced. Others believe that a new stadium offers the best opportunity to secure Manchester United's long-term future. Both perspectives are sincerely and passionately held.

Our consultation suggests that while supporters are divided on the principle of redevelopment versus a new stadium, many have not reached a final view. For a significant proportion of supporters, their eventual support or opposition will depend on the decisions now made as the project develops.

The issues supporters want addressed

Affordability
Keeping football accessible for ordinary supporters.
Atmosphere
Protecting the supporter culture that makes Old Trafford unique.
Funding
Understanding the balance between debt, equity and other funding options.
Fan ownership
Considering whether supporters should be able to invest through fan shares.
No PSLs in GA areas
Avoiding Personal Seat Licences in general admission and season ticket areas.
Heritage and identity
Respecting the club's history, traditions and matchday identity.

These issues could all influence how supporters ultimately judge the project. That is precisely why continued consultation matters. The choices made now may prove just as important to supporters as the location of the stadium itself.

MUST's role is to represent supporters - not tell them what to think

Individual members of the MUST Board and Committee, like all supporters, have their own personal views on the future of Old Trafford. Those views are not what MUST represents.

Our job is to inform, consult and represent supporters — not to tell them what to think.

We will continue to gather evidence from the widest possible range of fans, with particular focus on match-going supporters who will be most directly affected by these decisions.

Now we need to hear from even more supporters

Whether your priorities are affordability, atmosphere, accessibility, transport, heritage, funding, fan ownership, the future of the existing Old Trafford or any other aspect of the project, we want to hear from you.

The broader the range of supporters we hear from, the stronger and more representative the voice we can take into discussions with the club.

Submit your views

Know a United supporter who isn't yet a MUST member?

Please forward them this email and encourage them to sign up for a FREE MUST Lite membership here:

imust.org.uk/join

Your club. Your stadium. Your voice.

The decisions taken over the next few years will shape Manchester United and the matchday experience for generations to come.

Those decisions should not simply happen to supporters. Supporters should help shape them.

Together, we can ensure that the future of Manchester United is shaped not just by architects, planners and investors, but by the supporters whose club it is.


If you want to submit feedback about this email please use the form here

If you have a query which requires a response please log in to your account and submit a ticket via the website help desk.

Member details
Name: [[FIRST_NAME]] [[LAST_NAME]]
Membership No.: [[MEMBERSHIP_NUMBER]]
Expiry Date: [[EXPIRY_DATE]] (if applicable)

Sign in to your account to renew/upgrade or update details here:
https://www.imust.org.uk/Account/Login


blog comments powered by Disqus