Manchester United intends to explore naming rights opportunities for the future Old Trafford as part of a measured approach to the £2bn stadium redevelopment.

Collette Roche, the club's New Stadium Development chief executive, made the announcement during the presentation of a draft masterplan covering the broader Old Trafford district.

The 370-acre scheme is projected to generate 48,000 jobs and 15,000 homes, while the planned 100,000-capacity venue will sit 350 yards from the existing ground on land secured by the club last month.

The outline revealed the precise stadium location for the first time, although the earlier circus-tent concept shown by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2025 was absent.

Roche stressed that the proposals remain flexible and that discussions with Foster and Partners will continue over the coming months, with the aim of sharing updated designs with fans by late 2026 or early 2027.

Although funding decisions are still pending for a project initially costed at £2bn and likely to increase, the focus is on boosting income. United carry more than £1.3bn in debt stemming from the 2005 Glazer takeover, a revolving credit facility and unpaid transfer fees.

This context makes a naming rights agreement, similar to those secured by Arsenal with Emirates and Manchester City with Etihad, a strong possibility.

"We have stated clearly from the start that this must be a sanity project, not a vanity project," Roche said.

"I cannot predict the eventual name, yet we have been open about examining naming rights as a key revenue source after consulting our fan advisory board.

"Supporters understand that keeping tickets affordable requires income from other areas. Everyone acknowledges that constructing a new stadium carries significant expense."

Many fans remain worried about servicing existing debt, with annual repayments forecast to reach £50m after last month's refinancing that added $125m (£93.4m) to liabilities.

Amid rising transfer fees and wages, some supporters fear the stadium project could hinder on-pitch performance.

"There is no fixed price at this stage," Roche explained. "We must complete the design phase before estimating costs accurately. It serves no purpose to release a figure prematurely.

"All funding routes remain open, including debt, equity, shares and external investors. We have received numerous approaches, as expected, from parties keen to participate.

"Interest levels are not a concern. We first need clarity on total cost and then determine the optimal financing mix."

Roche acknowledged that major infrastructure schemes can exceed budgets but highlighted the £50m Carrington training-ground upgrade, completed on schedule and under budget in August 2025, as proof of disciplined spending.

"Sceptics claimed it could not be achieved, yet it was delivered," she noted.

Roche was joined by Trafford Council leader Tom Ross, who confirmed the project will advance regardless of the Greater Manchester mayoral result on 30 July.

Ross added that negotiations with Freightliner will persist over the site originally considered for the stadium before cost discussions stalled, noting the land stays vital to the wider regeneration.

Chief executive Omar Berrada also attended. Roche dismissed earlier suggestions that the scheme might be halted, stating "we have advanced too far."

She confirmed that no public funds will support stadium construction.

"That option was never considered," Roche said. "As a club we must be self-reliant and fund our own stadium. The broader project, however, extends well beyond the venue itself, and we cannot cover new transport infrastructure."