Explore the latest developments concerning Manchester United draw.
Manchester United draw up plans for new Old Trafford without canopy – The Athletic
Manchester United have had plans drawn up for a new Old Trafford where the canopy that caused such a stir when unveiled earlier this year is removed.
The club are looking at alternatives to the bold design presented in March by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and architect Sir Norman Foster, due to issues over purchasing the required land.
Talks have been held with Freightliner, the company that owns much of the area to the west of the current ground, which had been earmarked for part of the new stadium footprint and some 17,000 homes.
But Freightliner is demanding around £400million ($535m) for the land, according to sources familiar with proceedings who spoke on the condition of anonymity, substantially higher than United’s projected price in the region of £50m, as first reported by The Guardian. The company is willing to relocate the freight terminal to a new site but is so far holding out for a major windfall.
Man Utd walk back on plans for new Old Trafford without controversial canopy design that previously divided fans
Talks have been held with Freightliner, a logistics company that owns the area to the west of the current ground. That land had been earmarked for the new stadium as well as 17,000 new homes. However, the company is playing hardball. The Guardian reports Freightliner are demanding as much as £400 million ($535m) according to unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations. The Red Devils projected that land would be priced in the region of £50m. One source told The Guardian that Freightliner have "United over a barrel".
While Freightliner has suggested it is willing to sell the land and move its freight terminal, the deal could be further complicated by the impending sale of its UK rail and road operations to French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM.
1/2units Zeee 11.1V 50C 5200mAh 3S Lipo Battery with Deans Plug Soft Case for RC Car DJI Quadcopter Airplane Helicopter Drones
Man United ditch 'CIRCUS TENT' canopy from new £2bn Old Trafford designs as issues purchasing surrounding land causes Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co to consider other options
Manchester United could ditch the controversial canopy that had been earmarked to cover the proposed new Old Trafford after drawing up fresh designs.
Back in March, United announced plans for a bold 100,000 seater, £2billion stadium in conjunction with architects Foster + Partners.
A key part of the plan saw the ground covered by what was dubbed 'a vast umbrella' by those involved, which would make it unique.
Architects suggested the three prongs holding up the canopy symbolised the devil's trident and handle on United's club crest.
However, many weren't impressed, with some critics comparing the design to a 'circus tent', while others claimed it was inconsistent with Manchester's skyline and the club's history.