Man United affirm Sir Norman Foster set to be appointed

Sir Norman Foster is set to be tasked with developing a masterplan for Old Trafford and the club-owned land that surrounds the stadium.

Manchester United have confirmed Mail Sport’s exclusive report last month that Fosters + Partners will be appointed to deliver the plan which could see them be tasked with designing a new Old Trafford. 

Foster is one of the most famous British architects in recent history, with the multi-award winning 89-year-old overseeing the new Wembley and the renovation of Germany’s Reichstag. 

United are expected to make a decision on whether to rebuild or refurbish later this year – with the first option expected to cost at least £2bn. 

Lord Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, told the club’s official website: ‘As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United.’

Manchester United have confirmed Mail Sport’s exclusive report that a world-renowned architecture studio is set to be appointed to develop a masterplan for Old Trafford

Renowned architect Sir Norman Foster could be tasked with designing a new Old Trafford

INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new stadium to be built in place of the current ground though a decision on whether to rebuild or refurbish is expected to take place later this year

Foster is from nearby Reddish, was raised in Levenshulme – minutes from Old Trafford – and describes himself as a ‘proud Mancunian’.

The 89-year-old is also a close friend of Ratcliffe’s. His expertise in connecting projects to surrounding areas and transforming urban areas were also thought to be a deal sealer. 

United want any new stadium to be the anchor for a vast development, which links the venue with MediaCity, over the Manchester Ship Canal, and the Old Trafford cricket ground, on the other side of Sir Matt Busby Way. 

As originally reported by Mail Sport, Foster may be brought in to draw up a state-of-the art, 100,000 capacity venue, or a remodelling of their existing home. 

It had been thought that Populous, who designed a host of major sporting landmarks across the globe – including Tottenham‘s new home, and both Wembley and Qatar World Cup venue Lusail in collaboration with Foster – would get the job. 

They have already drawn up initial plans as part of a feasibility process launched by the Glazers in 2022.

However, earlier this year it emerged that Foster + Partner, had been commissioned to oversee the £50m revamp of United’s Carrington training complex. 

Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief operating officer said: ‘We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans. 

‘This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes.

Foster previously oversaw the renovation of Germany’s iconic Reichstag building in Berlin

Foster has also previously led the design of the new Wembley stadium where England play their national games

‘We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world-class stadium.

‘Lord Foster has unrivalled experience in delivering projects of this scale and ambition.’

Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that Manchester United are ready to abandon plans to keep Old Trafford if they build a new £2billion super-stadium next door.

It means United’s 114-year-old home will be bulldozed to the ground if they decide against redeveloping it and instead go with their preferred option of creating a 100,000-seater Wembley of the North.

United previously revealed their plans in the summer to scale down Old Trafford to a capacity of around 30,000 to preserve the history of the club and provide a venue for the women’s and academy teams.

But sources have told Mail Sport that they now realise it’s unlikely to work, and what is effectively a separate stadium project would be too complex and cost hundreds of millions of pounds.

Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that United are ready to abandon plans to keep Old Trafford up if they decide to build a new £2bn, 100,000 capacity super-stadium next door

Old Trafford holds huge sentimental value for United fans around the world with its Munich clock and tunnel commemorating the 1958 air disaster, as well as the statues of Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Murphy and the United Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.

United will set up a heritage focus group to make sure the historical elements of Old Trafford are preserved if they do knock it down.

Foster + Partners will need to find a way of integrating those elements into their design to ensure a brand new stadium isn’t soulless.

United in a statement on their website confirming the news surrounding Foster + Partners added: ‘The focus will be to design a world-class football destination and home for Manchester United fans, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use developments which will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision and make it a vibrant destination.’