Manchester United stadium architect teases 'different' design after Omar Berrada update
Man Utd unveiled plans to build a new stadium to replace Old Trafford in March 2025.
Norman Foster believes his vision for a new Manchester United stadium would be 'different' and 'better' than anything seen before. United unveiled plans in March 2025 to replace their current Old Trafford stadium with a new 100,000 seater ground, which is expected to cost in the region of £2billion, and an overall project cost of roughly £4.2bn.
Foster and Partners produced the artist impressions and videos of the proposed new stadium, which has been referred to as 'New Trafford Stadium' in a factsheet. The initial hope was United to play in the stadium from the 2030/31 season, though plans are currently deadlocked over a dispute with haulage company Freightliner over buying the land required for the project. The Guardian claim United value the land between £40million and £50million, whereas their parent company, Brookfield, want around £400million.
The club still plan to run a formal tender process to appoint architects for the final build, with Foster thrilled about the huge potential for such a momentous project. Asked if he was excited to be involved, he told Sky News: "You bet. It is the project of a lifetime. It's a galvanising project, the fanbase is incredible and so many things can naturally ride on the back of that sporting, emblematic kind of team."
"(The) Master plan will create streets, squares, neighbourhoods and connect with the heart of Manchester. Manchester United is different and therefore its stadium's going to be different and it is going to be better, of course."
The interview with Foster came just days after United announced record revenues in their latest set of financial results and chief executive officer Omar Berrada reiterated the plans to build a new stadium.
“We are also investing to upgrade our infrastructure, including completion of the £50m redevelopment of our men’s first team building at Carrington, on time and on budget, following prior investment in our women’s team facilities, to create a world-class environment for our players and staff," he said. "Meanwhile, planning continues to meet our ambition of developing a new stadium at Old Trafford as part of a transformational regeneration of the surrounding community."
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