Manchester United’s ambitious plan to build a new 100,000-seat stadium next to Old Trafford – dubbed “the Wembley of the North” by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – has hit a major roadblock due to a disagreement over the price of a key piece of land.
The club needs to acquire a rail freight terminal site currently owned and operated by Freightliner as part of its Old Trafford Regeneration Project, a £4.2bn vision expected to deliver £7.3bn a year to the UK economy. However, negotiations have reached a stalemate.
Freightliner’s parent company, Brookfield, is reportedly asking for £400 million, while United value the land at only £40–£50 million. Despite Freightliner’s willingness to relocate to a larger facility in nearby St Helens, the company is in no hurry to move and is holding firm on its price.
Talks at an Impasse
A source close to the situation said Freightliner “have United over a barrel,” meaning the club may have to raise its offer or risk significant delays. Ratcliffe has already stated he will not meet the current asking price.
United had hoped to start preparatory construction work before the end of 2025 to meet Ratcliffe’s 2030 completion target. But without securing the Freightliner site, the start date will slip. Options now include increasing their bid, waiting for the price to drop, or redesigning the project to avoid the land entirely.
Another possibility is intervention from the new Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation, chaired by Sebastian Coe, which could issue a compulsory purchase order. However, that would likely face legal challenges and further delays.
Big Promises – and Big Costs
When designs by Foster + Partners were unveiled in March, the club promised vast economic and social benefits:
- 92,000 jobs created
- 17,000+ new homes
- 1.8 million extra visitors annually
United estimate the stadium itself will cost around £2 billion, though industry experts believe £3 billion is more realistic, especially with a planned tent-style roof expected to cost £300 million alone. The Freightliner land price dispute could push the redevelopment well over budget from the outset.
Fans Eager but Waiting
At a recent Fans Forum, supporters asked if construction would begin in 2025 or 2026. United replied:
“Planning work is continuing, including consultations with fans. Discussions are ongoing with local authorities, landowners, and potential funding partners. It remains our ambition to proceed as quickly as possible, but we can only do this once the necessary land and funding is in place.”
The club is not seeking public funding for the stadium itself. A formal architect tender process is still to come, despite Foster + Partners providing the initial concept visuals.
For now, the Wembley of the North vision remains in limbo – with the future of Manchester United’s dream home resting on a £350m price gap.
