Manchester United have confirmed that Old Trafford will undergo a series of long-delayed upgrades in the summer of 2026, targeting persistent infrastructure issues that have plagued the stadium for years.
The most urgent task will be fixing the notoriously leaky roof and overhauling the ground’s drainage system, a problem that has caused embarrassment for the club as rainwater has repeatedly poured into spectator areas during matches.
In addition to addressing roof drainage and gutter blockages, United are planning significant improvements to the playing surface itself, with work expected on the pitch to enhance drainage, turf quality and performance ahead of the new season.
The planned summer works will also include upgrades to the dugouts and other facilities to ensure Old Trafford meets updated UEFA compliance standards, following concerns that the current setup may fall short of modern requirements.
These refurbishment efforts come at a critical time, as United continue to balance short-term maintenance needs with longer-term ambitions for a potential new 100,000-seat stadium as part of the wider Trafford Wharfside regeneration project being championed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Why the Old Trafford facelift matters now
Old Trafford’s issues have been widely documented, with roof leaks and drainage problems frequently captured by fans and media alike.
Past incidents of flooding during matches have highlighted the scale of the problem and the pressure on the club to act.
By tackling the leaky roof and improving the pitch, United hope to preserve Old Trafford’s status as a world-class venue while decisions continue over its long-term future.
The planned improvements are seen as essential to maintaining functionality and safety ahead of any major rebuild or relocation.
Officials believe that investing in these upgrades now will send a clear message to fans and governing bodies that United are committed to modernising their facilities, even as discussions continue around the possibility of a brand-new stadium being built by the end of the decade.
United’s broader regeneration strategy, which includes proposals for a vast mixed-use development around Old Trafford, positions any stadium decision within a larger economic and community context.
This approach aims to ensure that improvements benefit not just the club, but the surrounding area as well.
FGG Says
Old Trafford may be hallowed ground, but it has been showing its age in all the wrong ways. Fixing the leaky roof and patching up pitch issues are overdue but necessary steps that demonstrate United finally taking infrastructure seriously.
These upgrades do not replace the need for a new stadium — far from it — but they do show that the club still values its heritage while planning for the future. If United truly want to compete with Europe’s elite, they must fix today’s problems even as they build tomorrow’s dream home.