Sir Norman Foster, one of the most famous British architects in recent history, could be tasked with designing a new Old Trafford and transforming the surrounding area.
Mail Sport understands that the multi-award winning 89-year-old, who oversaw the new Wembley and the renovation of Germany’s Reichstag, may be brought in to draw up a state-of-the-art, 100,000-capacity venue for Manchester United – 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 – would get the job.
They have already drawn up initial plans as part of a feasibility process launched by the Glazers in 2022.
However, there was a fascinating development earlier this year when it emerged that Foster + Partners, in which Foster retains a controlling interest, had been commissioned to oversee the £50m revamp of United’s Carrington training complex.
Manchester United chiefs are weighing up whether to knock down or upgrade 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
And with a major part of the dream scenario at Old Trafford a huge regeneration of the surrounding area, Foster’s outfit is in a strong position to be commissioned, according to those with knowledge of the situation.
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 could also 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.
Industry insiders however, say one fly in the ointment may be the costs involved. They point out that Foster + Partners are one of the more pricier options and will not come cheap.
Designers tend to charge a percentage of projected build costs, and fees can range from around 4 per cent to north of 10 per cent. With a rebuild expected to cost at least £2bn, that could prove costly.
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
United are expected to make a decision on whether to rebuild or refurbish later this year. They are seeking funds from government, although any such backing is likely to go on infrastructure costs, including a new transport hub and roads, rather than on a new stadium itself.
Foster worked as a clerk at Manchester town hall after leaving school. He went on to study architecture at the University of Manchester and worked as a bouncer, ice cream seller and crumpet baker to supplement his income.
Aside from the Reichstag, he has designed countless landmarks over decades of work which also include London’s Gherkin and the space-age new home for Apple, in California, which opened in 2017. The opportunity to leave a legacy in his home city may well prove to be persuasive.
Both Manchester United and Foster + Partners declined to comment.