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. The club acquired a 25-acre site – a triangle of roads between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way – from Indurent, a Blackstone portfolio company. The announcement came on the day Andy Burnham, one of the architects of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, was sworn in as an MP, stepping down as Greater Manchester Mayor. Multiple sources have told BBC Sport only the government can alter the multi-billion pound masterplan, regardless of Burnham’s successor. Plans and costings are yet to be agreed, and negotiations with existing leaseholders are needed. “Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone,” said Collette Roche, the club’s new stadium development chief executive. “Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans.” The club have refused to say how much the land cost or where the money came from, though on 12 June they secured $550m (£415.35m) of funding to settle $425m (£320.95m) of bonds due in 2027.
Separately, United are set to green-light another season-long loan for goalkeeper Andre Onana to Trabzonspor. The Cameroonian, signed from Inter in 2023 for £47.2m to replace David de Gea, made numerous errors that led directly to goals, and patience wore thin. He spent last season on loan at the Turkish club, helping them win the Turkish Cup in May. United sources confirmed an agreement is close to being finalised, avoiding an awkward pre-season where Onana would report knowing he is seeking another club. United felt his hefty salary and extrovert personality made it difficult to bench him. With Senne Lammens as first-choice, United are willing to offload Altay Bayindir, which would leave them needing a No2. Possible replacements include Angus Gunn, released by Nottingham Forest; Karl Darlow, out of contract at Leeds; and Sam Johnstone, a United academy product.
“Manchester United buy 25-acre site for new stadium and close to loaning Andre Onana back to Trabzonspor.”