Manchester United's plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium may see the controversial £200m tent-like roof scrapped, according to reports. The roof, a centrepiece of the design unveiled last year by architects Foster + Partners, was likened by Sir Jim Ratcliffe to the Eiffel Tower. However, industry sources suggest the feature may never be built due to its prohibitive cost.
The entire project is estimated to cost around £2bn, and funding remains a key challenge. The club is understood to be working on financing behind the scenes, with reports indicating 'differences' between public and private discussions. In November, it was claimed the Treasury would not allocate any government funding for the stadium.
Ratcliffe has stressed the need for a 'Wembley of the north', stating that the north of England deserves a world-class venue. He noted that while London has Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Village, the north has won more Champions League medals but lacks a comparable stadium. Any move to a new stadium is not expected before 2030, with work potentially starting by the end of 2025.
