Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious completion timeline for Manchester United’s new stadium is under threat.
It has now been over a year since Manchester United revealed concept images of a 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and lead architect Norman Foster expected work to begin on the stadium in 2025, but they have faced several hurdles, including ongoing negotiations with Freightliner for a key land purchase.
When the plans were first announced, United’s stadium was meant to be completed in 2030, but that timeline has now been dealt a blow.
General view of Manchester United home stadium Old Trafford.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Should United scale back their ambitions for their new stadium?
100k seats, huge canopy and three towers would come at eye-watering cost for club already £1bn in debt
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Man United’s new stadium faces major delays
Earlier this week, Andy Mitten explained that United are making progress with the stadium, but it is essential to complete this land purchase for construction to begin.
According to iNews, Freightliner are supportive of United’s stadium project and are committed to finding a solution, but they might not be able to vacate the land fully until 2031.
That is already a year over Ratcliffe’s planned grand opening for United’s stadium. The British billionaire hoped that United’s venue would be operational for the 2030/31 season.
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It is added that Freightliner are willing to allow some building work to start on their land while any potential sale is going through, but it is not known to what extent.
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
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Ineos may have to scrap tent design to keep Man Utd stadium on track
It already seems as though the proposed 2030 opening date is no longer feasible, but Ineos and Ratcliffe could make some sacrifices to fast-track the process.
United are considering scrapping the tent and canopy design revealed in the concept images in order to save costs and keep the process on track.
The tent design alone is expected to cost around £200 million. United’s £2 billion budget has already been described as overly ambitious.
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But the tent design is also why United are in need of the land owned by Freightliner.
Ineos and Foster + Partners have alternative designs ready if a decision is made to pivot away from the canopy feature.
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