Manchester United announced plans for a new stadium in March last year, but it has now emerged that one of the distinguishing features of the proposed ‘New Trafford’ could be scrapped.
The design of Manchester United’s proposed new stadium could change (Image: PA)
Manchester United’s new stadium plans are back in the spotlight amid fresh claims that an impressive new roof, likely to cost around £200m, could be scrapped.
The Red Devils announced plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium last year after deciding to go ahead with plans to leave Old Trafford without renovating their current home. However, the entire project is estimated to cost around £2 billion, and few actual updates have been made.
The most eye-catching feature of Foster + Partners’ new design is the tent-like roof. However, The Sun reports that the roof, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe likened to the Eiffel Tower, “may never materialize”.
It has also been pointed out that certain features alone are estimated to cost around £200m, underscoring the huge cost of the project. Industry insiders also told the publication that Foster & Partners is “notoriously expensive.”
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United are believed to be still working behind the scenes to raise funds for the ambitious project. There is said to be a “difference” between what is public and what is private when it comes to securing support for clubs.
In November it was claimed there would be no government funding for the proposed ‘New Trafford’, with i Paper saying the Treasury had no intention of allocating funds for the stadium.
Mr Ratcliffe has previously outlined that the move to the world-class new stadium will not take place until 2030, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2025.
United revealed plans for a new stadium last year (Image: PA)
The Ineos boss has made no secret of his desire to build the ‘Wembley of the North’, and when plans were announced last March he stressed that any new stadium would have to be befitting of Manchester United’s status.
“The North of England has won 10 Champions League medals, London has two, but London has Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon and the Olympic Village,” Ratcliffe said.
“The north of England needs a stadium where England can play their football, a stadium where they can host a Champions League final and a stadium worthy of Manchester United’s reputation.
“While our current stadium has served us well over the past 115 years, it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.”
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