It has been exactly one year since Manchester United announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford.
As part of the announcement, concept images of the new stadium were shared that revealed an eye-opening design for the state-of-the-art venue.
Manchester United’s new stadium includes three trident towers that prop up a mesh canopy roof over the stadium, designed to collect water.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe approved the trident design late into the stadium process, believing that it made the venue stand out. However, it seems that concept could now be scrapped.
Manchester United Announce Plans to Build New World Class Stadium
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Man Utd’s new stadium plans, what we know right now
Set to be complete by 2030/31 season
Expected cost around £2 billion
Old Trafford set to be demolished
Expected to create 92,000 new jobs, 17,000 new homes and drive 1.8 million visitors annually
Capacity of 100,000 with steepest stands allowable in UK (35 degree angle)
Munich clock and other iconic club landmarks set to be included in new design
Manchester United v Luton Town - Premier League
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Man United could scrap canopy roof feature in new stadium
According to The Sun, United could choose to scrap their roof design due to expected costs of around £200 million.
United’s new stadium is set to cost £2bn, but that could be an ambitious target if the roof feature remains part of the project.
The report adds that United’s stadium deadline of 2030 is now unrealistic considering that work was expected to begin in late 2025. In the Spring of 2026, work is not even close to being started.
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One of the major hurdles that Ineos are facing is that haulage company Freightliner want £400m to sell land needed by United for their project. United value the same area of land at just £50m.
However, the overall area footprint of United’s stadium project is reduced drastically if the roof concept is scrapped. Therefore, there would be less of a need to push through with the land purchase.
Should United prioritise building a new stadium or winning on the pitch now?
Manchester United Announce Plans to Build New World Class Stadium
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Once built, new stadium could deliver…
✅ Extra £100-150m matchday income
✅ £40m-a-year naming rights deal
✅ £30-40m commercial boost
✅ Reinstate United as football superpower
❌ But £2bn-plus debt = less cash for transfers/wages in short term
What architect said about Man United’s stadium roof
Norman Foster is the chief architect behind United’s new stadium design, and he spoke highly of the canopy roof feature.
In the Foster+Partners release, they wrote: “The masts support a translucent canopy that envelopes the stadium, wrapping around the stands and shielding a generous public plaza from rainfall.
READ MORE:Wes Brown says he’s spotted a ‘problem’ with Man Utd’s new stadium before it’s even been built
“Three towering masts hold up the stadium’s canopy, embodying the club’s trident emblem, and creating a distinctive presence on the skyline.”
It was confirmed that there were multiple stadium design concepts drawn up, including one without the canopy roof. If United cannot find full funding and purchase the necessary land, the feature could become a long-lost relic.
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