The controversial canopy caused a storm when plans were revealed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and architect Sir Norman Foster for a new stadium to replace the club's iconic Old Trafford home
21:32, 26 Sep 2025Updated 21:39, 26 Sep 2025
United unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2billion stadium earlier this year
View 5 Images
United unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2billion stadium earlier this year
Manchester United have scrapped plans for their controversial canopies at their new stadium — after fans said it looked like a circus tent. The huge "umbrella" covering was a striking part of the artists impression released six months ago by stadium designers.
But it caused a storm when it was revealed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and architect Sir Norman Foster as part of bold plans for a new stadium to replace the club's iconic Old Trafford home.
And new plans are being drawn up without the three giant prongs, due to issues over buying the required land, the Athletic reports. The fresh designs are said to be more in line with traditional stadium appearances.
United have scrapped previous plans
View 5 Images
United have scrapped previous plans
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. But critics described the colossal structure to a circus tent.
The plans were mocked by some fans
View 5 Images
The plans were mocked by some fans(Image: Foster and Partners / SWNS)
It was supposed to cover fans from the weather and create a stadium like no other, but talks to buy the land needed to build the massive canopy have hit a brick wall.
The freight company Freightliner — which owns much of the land west of Old Trafford that United wanted to buy — are demanding a whopping £400million, way above United’s £50million estimate.
Sir Jim previously backed the plans
View 5 Images
Sir Jim previously backed the plans(Image: PA)
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 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.
New plans won't include the massive umbrella roof
View 5 Images
New plans won't include the massive umbrella roof
"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."
Billionaire co-owner Sir Jim also sparked controversy when he asked the government for help with funding for infrastructure around the new stadium. But six months on, no cash has been confirmed.
Article continues below
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here .