Man Utd’s canopy controversy forces embarrassing U-turn on new Old Trafford plans

Manchester United are said to have drawn up fresh plans for their new Old Trafford following fresh designs, with supporters having made their feelings clear on the unpopular canopy concept

Manchester United have reportedly revised their plans for the new Old Trafford, ditching the controversial canopy from their initial designs unveiled earlier this year.

The club had released concept images and videos of their proposed 100,000-seater stadium in March, which included a massive, umbrella-like canopy. The design aimed to create a modern, sustainable destination complete with a public plaza.

On a clear day, the canopy, held up by three masts, would be visible from as far away as Liverpool. However, the ambitious design was met with mixed reactions from United’s fans. Critics described the colossal structure to a circus tent, and the cost of constructing and installing the canopy alone was estimated to be between £300million and £400m.

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

Sir Jim Ratcliffe explained at the time: “The brief to Norman Foster here was to build the world’s most iconic football stadium. 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.”

After a review, sources have allegedly described the revised designs as more aligned with conventional stadium aesthetics. Nevertheless, talks are still reportedly continuing and Foster’s design remains ‘on the table.’

Conversations are understood to have occurred with Freightliner, which controls much of the territory to the west of the existing stadium that had been designated for part of the new stadium footprint and approximately 17,000 homes.

Yet, the report states that Freightliner is seeking around £400million ($535m) for the land and whilst the firm are supposedly prepared to relocate the freight terminal to a fresh site, it is ‘so far holding out for a major windfall.’

But should United now proceed without the canopy, the scheme would need less Freightliner territory, enabling construction to advance more rapidly.

Meanwhile, the stadium’s precise location is also being examined, as each alternative demands ‘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.

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