Manchester United could ditch the controversial canopy that had been earmarked to cover the proposed new Old Trafford after drawing up fresh designs.
Back in March, United announced plans for a bold 100,000 seater, £2billion stadium in conjunction with architects Foster + Partners.
A key part of the plan saw the ground covered by what was dubbed ‘a vast umbrella’ by those involved, which would make it unique.
Architects suggested the three prongs holding up the canopy symbolised the devil’s trident and handle on United’s club crest.
However, many weren’t impressed, with some critics comparing the design to a ‘circus tent’, while others claimed it was inconsistent with Manchester’s skyline and the club’s history.
It had been a key part of the presentation about the new stadium though, with those proposals shared by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and architect Sir Norman Foster.
Man United’s plan for a new 100,000 seater stadium may not include the controversial canopy
Critics compared the canopy to a ‘circus tent’, and several supporters didn’t like how it looked
Although United said at the time that the original vision was conceptual and things could change, issues have arisen which has seen United consider different design options for a new stadium, including one where the canopy is not involved.
It is believed that talks over purchasing land from Freightliner, the company that owns a key area surrounding the ground that had been earmarked for construction, have so far been unsuccessful.
Freightliner, who are a rail freight and logistics company, are demanding around £400million for the land which they are open to selling, but United had projected they would pay around £50m, meaning the two parties are at an impasse.
As a result, the club are now looking at alternative designs that would require less space. The canopy had an estimated cost of £300m-£400m, although its impact was expected to be mainly aesthetic rather than practical.
The new designs are said to be more similar to traditional stadium appearances, yet the original plan has not completely been ruled out.
United are believed to be exploring several options, include where the exact location of the stadium structure will be.
Speaking back in March, Ratcliffe had expressed his excitement at the initial designs.
‘The brief to Norman Foster here was to build the world’s most iconic football stadium,’ he said. ‘It had to be a stadium which was recognisable around the world.
United are now looking at alternative designs after issues with regards to purchasing land
Ratcliffe presented the ambitious and bold plans alongside the architects back in March
‘We said to 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.’
United are attempting to secure government funding for some of the project and they did receive backing from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, although further details of confirmed support are yet to come.
The club also face financial restrictions of their own which they will have to navigate if they are to successfully complete a new stadium build.
