turn on giant canopy in fresh plans for new Old Trafford

Man United make surprise U-turn on giant canopy in fresh plans for new Old Trafford

Latest Manchester United news as fresh developments for the new Old Trafford have emerged with the club now seemingly going in a different direction

Manchester United are said to have drawn up fresh plans for the new Old Trafford and removed the canopy from their plans after it caused controversy when the new designs were revealed earlier this year.

Concept images and videos of the club's 100,000-seater stadium was revealed in March, featuring a vast, umbrella-like canopy - designed to create a modern, sustainable destination alongside a public plaza. The canopy, supported by three masts, would be visible from the outskirts of Liverpool on a clear day.

At the time, it brought mixed reaction with United's fanbase. Critics described the massive structure to a circus tent, and the canopy alone was estimated to cost between £300million and £400m to construct and install.

Fast forward a few months and the club are considering different options for their new stadium, according to The Athletic. It's reported that the so-called 'vast umbrella' was scrapped due to space constraints.

"The brief to Norman Foster here was to build the world’s most iconic football stadium," Sir Jim Ratcliffe explained at the time. "It had to be a stadium which was recognisable around the world.

"We said to [architect] Norman that we would like a stadium where when anybody in the world sees that stadium, they’ll know it's Manchester United. It’s more than a new stadium.

"Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, everyone wants to visit. Everyone in the world will want to come visit this stadium. I think the design of the stadium is a 10 out of 10. I think it’s a really special design."

Following a review, sources have reportedly described the updated designs as more in keeping with traditional stadium aesthetics. However, discussions are still said to be ongoing and Foster's design is 'still on the table.'

Discussions are believed to have taken place with Freightliner, which owns much of the land to the west of the current stadium that had been earmarked for part of the new stadium footprint and around 17,000 homes.

However, the report adds that Freightliner is demanding around £400million ($535m) for the land and while the company are reputedly willing to relocate the freight terminal to a new site, it is 'so far holding out for a major windfall.'

But if United now move forward without the canopy, the project would require less Freightliner land, allowing construction to progress more quickly.

Meanwhile, the stadium's exact location is also under consideration, as each option requires 'different amounts and configurations of land.'

"The government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance," Ratcliffe said after United launched their campaign for government funding.

---

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

Click here to read article