Man United ditches canopy from £2bn Old Trafford plans as land talks stall

Manchester United is re-evaluating the proposed redevelopment of Old Trafford, signaling that the canopy component of the project may be dropped as negotiations over surrounding land stall.

Back in March, United unveiled plans for a bold 100,000-seat, £2 billion stadium developed with Foster + Partners. A key feature was a canopy described by those involved as a 'vast umbrella' covering the bowl, with three prongs said to symbolize the devil's trident on United's crest. The design drew criticism from some fans and observers, who likened it to a circus tent and questioned how it would sit in Manchester's skyline and align with the club's history. United stressed at the time that the vision was conceptual and that changes could follow as formal planning progressed.

Land around Old Trafford, held by Freightliner, a rail freight and logistics operator, is central to the scheme. Freightliner is understood to be seeking around £400 million for the land, well above United's projected figure of about £50 million. The gulf between the two sides has left the clubs at an impasse and prompted United to explore designs that would require less space or reposition the stadium structure entirely. The canopy itself carried a significant price tag, estimated at £300 million to £400 million, with critics noting its cost was largely for aesthetics rather than essential function.

Even before the land talks reached a standstill, the canopy was identified as an expensive discretionary element of the project. Consequently, the club is now considering options that would retain a striking silhouette while reducing the footprint and complexity of the build. New proposals are described as moving closer to traditional stadium appearances, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of revisiting some aspects of the original concept if a viable land solution emerges.

United are believed to be weighing several options, including where the main stadium structure would sit and how it would be integrated with surrounding space. The goal is to maintain a world-class facility while easing the risks associated with acquiring, or pricing, the adjacent land required for the most ambitious iteration.

The matter has a high-profile advocate in Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, who has publicly backed the bold initial concept. The brief to Norman Foster, he said in March, was to build the world's most iconic football stadium. "The brief to Norman Foster here was to build the world's most iconic football stadium," Ratcliffe 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." He added that the ambition extended beyond a stadium — "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 parts of the project, and they have received backing from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, though details of confirmed support remain to be confirmed. The club also faces financial constraints of its own that will need to be navigated if the build goes ahead, underscoring the careful recalibration now underway as officials weigh how to balance ambition with practicality and risk.

As the club advances its planning, further updates are expected on whether a streamlined plan can meet the club’s sporting and community objectives while delivering a stadium that remains a global beacon for Manchester United.