Manchester United believe their proposed 100,000-seat stadium will be ready within six years, with the club insisting the ambitious project remains on schedule despite limited visible progress.

Collette Roche, United’s stadium development chief executive, said the club is working through the complex early stages of the £2 billion scheme and remains confident of opening the new arena within the projected timeframe.

The plan is to build a state-of-the-art stadium on the Old Trafford site, creating one of the largest club grounds in world football. United have long argued that their historic home needs either a major overhaul or a complete rebuild to meet modern expectations for capacity, hospitality and fan experience.

Roche explained that while construction itself is expected to take four to five years, the crucial groundwork before building can begin is what currently dominates the project. That includes assembling the necessary land, securing financing and navigating a detailed planning process with local authorities.

United are yet to confirm an official opening date, but Roche stressed that internal targets remain unchanged. The club wants the new stadium ready in time to play a central role in major future events, while also transforming match days for regular Premier League and European fixtures.

One of the biggest hurdles has been land acquisition around Old Trafford. Although the new ground will rise on the existing footprint, United require additional surrounding space to deliver modern infrastructure, transport links and fan facilities.

Talks with neighbouring landowners have been intensive, with negotiations involving rail freight and logistics company Freightliner proving particularly sensitive. However, Roche said discussions have moved in a positive direction and that the club hopes to confirm significant progress soon.

United’s vision is for a stadium that not only increases capacity but also redefines the match-going experience, with improved accessibility, better concourses, enhanced hospitality and a design that preserves the intimidating atmosphere associated with Old Trafford.

While supporters have grown impatient at the lack of visible change on the ground, the club maintains that the less glamorous early work is essential to avoid delays once construction begins. For now, United insist they remain firmly on track to deliver a new home within the next six years, reshaping the club’s physical and commercial future.