Manchester United formalise Roche role on new Old Trafford stadium project

Manchester United have appointed Collette Roche to a brand‑new role of Chief Executive Officer for the Old Trafford regeneration project. Roche will work with the recently established Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, which is chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe and is intended to drive the broader redevelopment of land around Old Trafford. Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada said: “Collette has done a fantastic job leading the club’s work to develop our ambition to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration. “As we start to accelerate our plans, we are delighted that Collette will now be totally focused on working to deliver this hugely important project.” Roche said: “I am incredibly proud to have been asked to lead the new stadium development and continue to work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation and all our diverse stakeholders. “Our aspiration is to create the best stadium in the world for the best team and fanbase in sport – guided by fans’ input throughout the design and development process. We are committed to taking a consultative approach, ensuring our plans are shaped by fans every step of the way.” United said the role reports to Berrada and described the appointment as “an exciting next step” as the club moves from planning into delivery, following the official launch of the regeneration development corporation last week. Place North West said a key practical hurdle remains a complex land assembly process involving neighbouring rail freight operator Freightliner, with the new stadium intended to underpin regeneration of around 370 acres surrounding the existing ground. The same report said the wider programme has been pitched as one of the largest UK regeneration schemes of its kind, with comparisons drawn to the redevelopment of King’s Cross and parts of east London following the 2012 Olympics.United has also been running supporter consultation on its stadium ambition, including a next phase launched in November after the club set out its vision in March, inviting fans to provide views on potential features such as facilities, seating and pricing.