Manchester United have drawn up alternative plans of the 'new' Old Trafford, due to problems in purchasing the required land for the controversial re-design. Those plans, originally released in March, would see a three-pronged canopy envelop the stadium. However, reports suggest the purchase of land required for the stadium's increased footprint could be eight times more expensive than expected.
Man Utd in talks with Freightliner over land sale
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. 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 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.
AdvertisementAFPNew designs more in line with traditional football stadium
The impasse has prompted United to explore alternative designs. reports that sources describe these plans as "more in line with traditional appearances". Foster + Partners' original plans for the 100,000 seater redevelopment caused a significant response across the football world when they were revealed in March of this year, with the canopy — estimated to cost between £300m and £400m to construct — splitting opinion. At the time, United fans took to social media to call the plans "embarrassing", "ugly" and a "circus stadium".
INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe said following the unveiling of the project: "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."
Negotiations are ongoing, with Foster's original plans still an option, however a development without the canopy would represent a significant reduction in construction costs and reduce the amount of land required to purchase from Freightliner, significantly speeding up the process.
Ratcliffe seeks political backing for Old Trafford redevelopment
This added complication could push United to further ratchet up their campaign for government support. In March, Ratcliffe said, "The Government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local significance."
Chancellor Rachel Reeves supported the initial plans, but there has been little in the way of concrete assistance, as the club first need to secure the land owned by Freightliner.
Representatives of the club told a fan forum in June: "Discussions are also ongoing with local authorities, land owners and potential funding partners with a view to securing the land and the finance we need to proceed with the project. It remains our ambition to proceed with the project as quickly as possible, but we can only do this once the necessary land and funding is in place.
“We have been clear that construction of the stadium is the responsibility of the club, but we need support from government for enabling work and public infrastructure around the stadium, including the relocation of the adjacent freight terminal.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor for Greater Manchester, who is on the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, said talks between United and Freightliner were "far from being concluded" in August.
Getty Images SportMan Utd yet to secure £2bn required for Old Trafford re-build
United have not appointed Foster + Partners to follow through as stadium architects, with other firms invited to tender for the work. reports the firm remain favourites to win the project, given their extensive work in the design stage.
Funding for the stadium has yet to be confirmed. The re-design is estimated to cost £2bn, a significant outlay considering the club's tight finances.