Manchester United have taken a major step towards building their proposed £2 billion, 100,000-capacity stadium after securing most of the land required for the project.

The club confirmed it has acquired a 25-acre site close to its historic home, Old Trafford, paving the way for what would become Britain’s largest sporting arena.

The newly acquired triangular-shaped plot lies around 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford. The purchase means adjacent land owned by Freightliner, previously considered necessary for the development, will no longer be required.

Collette Roche, chief executive of the stadium development project, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in Manchester United’s plans.

She said the location allows the club to remain close to Old Trafford, helping preserve traditions and matchday rituals valued by supporters while creating a world-class venue for the future.

Manchester United first unveiled plans for the ambitious redevelopment in 2025. The proposed stadium forms the centrepiece of a wider 370-acre regeneration scheme expected to deliver 15,000 new homes and create 48,000 jobs locally, along with 90,000 jobs nationally.

A detailed masterplan for the broader Old Trafford regeneration project is expected to be unveiled on July 9.

Club co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has previously described rebuilding Old Trafford as a “no-brainer” following his investment in the club in 2024.

Manchester United have played at Old Trafford for 115 years. However, the current 74,000-capacity stadium has faced growing criticism in recent years due to ageing infrastructure and maintenance concerns.