Man Utd’s £2billion new stadium under threat from AIRPORT due to 200m-high structure in ambitious plans


MANCHESTER UNITED’S £2billion new stadium plans are under threat from Manchester Airport as the 200m towers may disrupt flight paths.

Images of the new stadium were first released last week, featuring a concourse area twice the size of Trafalgar Square.

A handout image received from Manchester United on March 11, 2025, shows Foster + Partners' illustration of a proposed new 100,000-seat stadium, unveiled as part of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area. Manchester United on Tuesday announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium close to their historic Old Trafford home, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe promising it would be the "world's greatest" football ground. The momentous decision by the Premier League club comes after an extensive consultation process on whether to develop their creaking current ground or move. (Photo by Manchester United / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by -/Manchester United/AFP via Getty Images)
The tallest of the new spires will stand 250m high
Manchester United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and minority shareholder of Manchester United, at Foster + Partners Headquarters in Battersea, London. Manchester United have announced plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says would be the “world’s greatest” football ground. Picture date: Tuesday March 11, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Man Utd. Photo credit should read: Lucy North/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Jim Ratcliffe has come under heavy criticism for his handling of the club
PA Media
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: A general view inside Old Trafford is seen ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Man United have played at Old Trafford since 1910
Getty

A huge canopy is set to cover the complex and will be supported by three towers, two measuring 150m and the third towering at 200m.

Officials say the towers, a centrepiece of the ‘iconic’ design, will be visible from Liverpool.

But they will also disrupt flights arriving to and departing from Manchester Airport.

The airport is just four miles from the new stadium’s proposed location.

That location is within a zone where any proposed structure standing more than 90m needs the airport’s sign off before it can be built.

Talks between Man Utd and Manchester Airport are yet to take place.

Manchester Airport opened in 1938 and serviced over 30 million passengers in 2024.

It is also set to grow in coming years, with plans in place to expand both terminals.

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United hope to move into their new home in just five years, and it is not yet clear how the stadium will be financed.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suggested the club would have run out of money by Christmas if not for his dramatic cost-cutting measures.


These have included huge staff cuts and an end to free lunches in the staff canteen.

Man United chief executive Omar Berrada added the club intend to invest heavily in Ruben Amorim‘s squad despite the rocky finances.

He said: “We’re making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position.

“Even if we’re outside of [European competition], I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad.”

This comes as fans protested against the new ownership, with many believing he is stripping the club of its identity.

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