Manchester United has made significant progress in its plans for a new Old Trafford, as the initial designs for the stadium regeneration have now been unveiled.

Last month, the club revealed its intention to proceed with a new stadium in the vicinity of Old Trafford, opting against redeveloping the existing 74,000-seat venue.

In August, it was reported by Mail Sport that Manchester United enlisted renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster to develop the plans for enhancing the area under the club’s ownership.

At 89 years old, Foster and his firm, Foster and Partners, have initiated work on proposals for a transformative project that is set to include a £2 billion, 100,000-capacity stadium dubbed the ‘Wembley of the North.’

In a recent update, the first architectural designs were presented during a Labour Party conference held in Liverpool on Monday afternoon.

The newly unveiled designs depict what the transformed Old Trafford could look like.

The new vision proposes a shift from the current 74,000-seat stadium.

Renowned architect Sir Norman Foster could lead the design for the new Old Trafford.

Among those present at the conference were former Manchester United captain Gary Neville and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who are advocating for the removal of a freight rail terminal to facilitate development.

During his address, Burnham emphasized United’s aspirations for the new stadium and its potential benefits for the city. He stated, ‘This would be the single most significant football location in the world. It would mean the north west of England has the best football infrastructure of anywhere else on the planet.’

‘The jobs clustered around this stadium would be substantial; it would be connected to the media city. This would create a development in the west of Greater Manchester to counterbalance what Manchester City has accomplished in the east.’

‘It would increase freight transport via rail and offer greater benefits for passengers. What’s not to like?’

Sources indicate that United is currently evaluating whether to remain at the traditional Old Trafford site or construct a new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to it.

Previously, the Glazer family had tasked Populous in 2022 with overseeing the renovation of ‘Theatre of Dreams’ and its surroundings, drafting preliminary blueprints for the project. However, activity from the firm has reportedly diminished since Ineos took control, with Ratcliffe now leaning towards abandoning the idea of maintaining Old Trafford.

Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is advocating for the construction of a new stadium to replace the existing one.

Gary Neville (left) and Mayor Andy Burnham (right) are working to gain support for removing a freight rail terminal to facilitate development.

Burnham, who supports Everton, argues that pursuing a new stadium could be advantageous for the club given the potential complications of renovating an existing structure.

‘As an Evertonian, I understand the emotional connection to refurbishing your historical home,’ he expressed. ‘However, maintaining the best stadium in the world can be challenging when taking this route.’

‘The disruption from rebuilding while still using the stadium needs consideration, as does the cost of a new construction, which the club is currently assessing.’

‘To the Manchester United supporters, I assure you that our aim is to support your club in building as close as possible to your beloved Old Trafford.’

United envisions its development to harmonize with the Trafford Wharfside initiative, aiming to enhance the local community and attract new residents and job opportunities.

On the east side of Greater Manchester, Manchester City has developed the Etihad Campus.

Lord Foster, a proud Mancunian and designer behind the new Wembley and Lusail Stadium in Qatar, is already involved in a £50 million redevelopment of United’s training ground at Carrington.

Reflecting on the redevelopment, Lord Foster remarked, ‘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 catalyzed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United.’