Man Utd scrap plans for controversial canopy stadium design

Martin Macdonald

• 27 Sep 2025 11:00 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Manchester United have apparently scrapped plans for their controversial canopy stadium design.

In March, the Red Devils revealed the design for the 'new' Old Trafford and it was divisive to say the least, with the most eye-catching aspect of the graphic being three sky-scraping canopies.

At the time, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe said of the plans:

"Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.

"Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport. By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home. Just as important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment not just during the construction phase but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete."

🏟️ JUST IN: Manchester United have drawn out plans for a new Old Trafford WITHOUT the canopy presented in images earlier this year.

United are looking at alternatives to the bold design due to issues over purchasing the required land needed from Freightliner, who are demanding… pic.twitter.com/OBwzHkgSQX

— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) September 26, 2025

It seems United have literally went back to the drawing board on this one, however, as the Athletic report that the canopy design has been scrapped due to concerns over price.

It turns out the price of the land in which the new stadium will be built is a lot, a lot, more expensive than previously thought.

The Guardian reports that United believed they would have to pay the owners of the land, logistics company Freightliner, around £50 million. However, that number is apparently closer to £400m.

A source told the Guardian that Freightliner have Man Utd "over a barrel".

Freightliner are willing to sell, but the situation has been complicated by an expected takeover by French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM.

The Athletic reports that the new design is "more in line with traditional appearances" as the previous canopy look by Foster + Partners was labelled as "ugly" and a "circus" previously.

The canopy design would have cost between £300m and £400m to construct, but with the land set to become a major cost, a cheaper design has been created.

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