Manchester United's plans for a new stadium close to Old Trafford move a significant step closer after the club buy a 25-acre site to build it on.

The plans for Manchester United's proposed new stadium were announced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2025 Manchester United have taken a significant step towards a new 100,000-capacity stadium by buying the majority of the land needed to build it close to their current home at Old Trafford. There had been few signs of any movement since minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled his grand vision in London in March 2025. According to sources, United have now acquired a triangle of roads that connect close to the car parks behind the Stretford End, which gives them a 25-acre site sufficient for their new stadium. Plans and costings for the ground are yet to be agreed, and negotiations will be needed with some of the existing leaseholders in the affected area. The announcement comes on the day Andy Burnham, one of the major architects of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) - an organisation tasked with the transformation - was sworn in as an MP, resulting in him standing down as Greater Manchester Mayor. Multiple sources have told BBC Sport only the government can alter the multi-billion pound masterplan, regardless of which party Burnham's successor as mayor comes from. "Today's news highlights the progress we're making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development," said Collette Roche, Manchester United's new stadium development chief executive.