Will Manchester United’s planned 100,000 seater stadium be ready for the 2035 Women’s World Cup? | OneFootball

Manchester United hope to host the final of the 2035 Women’s World Cup. (Victor Modo / SPP)

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on hosting the Women’s World Cup final in 2035 at their planned new stadium.

The club previously unveiled ambitious plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium, close to their current Old Trafford ground.

United confirmed the plans in March to deliver on the ‘Wembley of the North’ dreams set out by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The project is expected to cost £2 billion. United are yet to determine how the project will be funded though discussions have begun.

Who is bidding for the 2035 Women’s World Cup?

The only valid bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup comes from the UK home nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

FIFA formalised the UK home nations as the sole contenders to host the tournament in 10 years time.

However, a final host selection will be made at the FIFA Congress in April 2026.

At the same time, FIFA will also announce the hosts of the 2031 Women’s World Cup. This tournament will be predominantly hosted by the United States and Mexico, although other CONCACAF nations could also host matches.

Manchester United will be hoping their new stadium is ready for the UK’s plan to stage the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Will Manchester United’s stadium be ready in time for the 2035 Women’s World Cup?

Manchester United hope development of their new stadium to be completed within five to six years time.

BBC reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s timescale is still valid, but acknowledged the potential delays around such a complex plan.

The broadcaster also claimed that industry and football experts outside Old Trafford have identified numerous reasons why completion in 2030 may be unlikely.

Discussions have begun over how the project will be funded, although the club are also in negotiations over the refinancing of significant chunks of United’s current debt.

On top of the financing, another potential complication is whether there is a possibility of being able to buy nearby land currently being used for the Freightliner terminal.

It is not known yet when planning permission will be submitted.

If the new Manchester United stadium is ready for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, then it will likely face competition from Wembley to host the final.

What will happen with Old Trafford?

It has not yet been made clear what will happen to Old Trafford when the new ground is built, though is there is a likelihood that it could be demolished.

As per Sky Sports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”