Here comes the ‘Wembley of the North’! Man United confirm Sir Norman Foster, the architect behind the national stadium and the Reichstag, has been appointed to design next stage of Old Trafford masterplan

Manchester United have taken another step towards creating Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Wembley of the North by appointing Sir Norman Foster to create a masterplan for the area surrounding Old Trafford.

United confirmed Mail Sport’s story last month that they want Lord Foster to transform the club-owned land around the stadium into what they say will be a ‘world-class football destination’.

Foster and Partners are already overseeing a £50million revamp of the Carrington training complex, and could be given the job of building a new £2billion stadium or renovating Old Trafford, depending on which option United decide to take.

However, the club have stressed that the current mandate concerns the Old Trafford stadium district and not the stadium design itself.

Lord Foster, who was raised in Levenshulme, said: ‘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.’

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

When Foster and Partners built the new Wembley and Lusail Stadium, which hosted the last World Cup final, it was a joint project with Populous. He was also involved in the building of the Reichstag in Germany.

A similar partnership with Populous or another stadium specialist cannot be ruled out when United make a final decision on the future of Old Trafford before the end of the year.

Populous have already drawn up feasibility plans for the stadium and surrounding area after being appointed by the Glazer family in 2022, although there is no obligation for the club to use them for the final design.

It’s understood they assessed the options of rebuilding or renovating Old Trafford, as well as the idea of reducing Old Trafford’s capacity as a venue for the women’s and academy teams.

Mail Sport revealed this week that United are ready to abandon plans to keep Old Trafford if they build a new stadium because they are too complex and costly.

Populous’ involvement is said to have gone quiet during Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion minority takeover, and the Ineos owners turned to his close friend Lord Foster to work on Carrington and now the stadium district project as well.

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

United want the 89-year-old to come up with a masterplan that will complement the Trafford Wharfside redevelopment 

United want the 89-year-old to come up with a masterplan that will complement the Trafford Wharfside redevelopment that benefit the local community, attracting new residents and job opportunities.

United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche added: ‘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.

‘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.’