Manchester United are targeting a new 100,000-seat stadium opening within six years, according to stadium development CEO Collette Roche. The club unveiled plans for the £2 billion project in March 2025, aiming to replace Old Trafford with a modern venue that could host major events like a potential 2035 World Cup.

Roche clarified that while construction would take four to five years, the total timeline includes one to two years for land assembly, financing, and planning permission. The club has been working "behind the scenes" on these preparations since the initial announcement. Negotiations with rail freight company Freightliner over surrounding land have proven challenging but are progressing.

The timeline suggests the stadium could be ready for the 2032-33 season, though no official opening date has been set. Roche emphasized the complexity of the project, noting that securing land, funding, and approvals takes considerable time before construction can begin. The club expects to announce positive developments on land acquisition "in the next few months" as talks with local landowners continue.