Manchester United have announced plans to build the biggest stadium in the UK – an “iconic” new £2bn 100,000-seater ground close to Old Trafford.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he wanted to build the “world’s greatest football stadium” which the club hopes could be finished in five years.
United’s decision came after an extensive consultation process around whether to develop the existing stadium or build a new one.
Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home since 1910.
Architects at Foster and Partners, who will design the project, said the stadium would feature an umbrella design.
Lord Norman Foster, the company’s executive chairman, said: “This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today. It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar.
“The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.”
