Manchester United draw up plans for new Old Trafford without canopy - The Athletic

Manchester United are reconsidering their plans for a new Old Trafford stadium, specifically removing the prominent canopy design that was unveiled earlier this year. This revision is due to challenges in acquiring the necessary land for the project, prompting the club to explore alternative designs.

The club has been in discussions with Freightliner, which owns a significant portion of the land west of the current stadium intended for the new venue and adjacent housing. However, Freightliner is demanding approximately £400 million for the land, far exceeding United's estimated £50 million valuation, creating a stalemate as the company seeks a substantial profit from relocating its freight terminal.

The original design by Sir Norman Foster featured a large canopy, described as a "vast umbrella" and compared to a circus tent, which sparked debate for its aesthetic contrast with Manchester's skyline and industrial heritage. While some appreciated its unique silhouette, symbolizing the club's crest, the canopy was primarily decorative and costly, estimated at £300-400 million, aimed at enhancing fan experience during bad weather.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasized the goal of creating an iconic, globally recognizable stadium, rating the initial design highly. Currently, United is evaluating updated, more traditional stadium options that may require less land, allowing for faster progress, with Foster's concept still under consideration amid ongoing deliberations over the stadium's location and land needs.