University Academy 92 (UA92) is set to open a new campus at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, repurposing the iconic venue for education away from matchdays. Starting January 2026, several suites within the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will serve as teaching spaces for students pursuing degrees and other qualifications.
The expansion builds on UA92’s existing facilities, including its main campus next to Old Trafford cricket ground and a Business School in Manchester city centre. The new campus will complement its teaching at the Players and Media Centre at Lancashire Cricket Club, reinforcing UA92’s approach of learning in world-class sporting and industry environments.
Courses offered at the stadium will include Business of Football, Sports Management, Digital Marketing, and Football Broadcast and Journalism. Each programme is designed in partnership with industry, giving students practical experience alongside employability skills.
Gary Neville, co-founder of UA92, said: “This is a full circle moment for me – Manchester United is where my dreams started and now we have the privilege of helping the next generation achieve theirs. Old Trafford has always been a place where young people dream big, and now it will also be a place where our students can learn, grow and build their futures.”
The institution was founded by Neville and his fellow Class of ’92 members – Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt – alongside Lancaster University. The aim is to equip young people from Greater Manchester and beyond with the skills and mindset needed for success in the digital era.
Students and lecturers will have access to suites and rooms in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, and media facilities at the stadium will be available to support courses such as football broadcast and journalism. Sara Prowse, chief executive of UA92, said: “This is another major milestone in UA92’s growth journey. Demand for our degrees and higher education programmes continues to rise, and having a base at Manchester United gives our students access to a world-class learning environment at one of the most famous sporting venues on the planet.”
Marc Armstrong, chief business officer of Manchester United, added: “We are really looking forward to opening the doors of Old Trafford to students from UA92. Manchester United has always been synonymous with youth, drive and determination, epitomised by the Class of ’92. In the longer term, as we plan for the regeneration of the Old Trafford area, including the development of a new stadium, this agreement with UA92 demonstrates our desire to work together with local stakeholders in driving social and economic progress across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
