Manchester United have unveiled plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of a government-backed regeneration project in the area.

The new ground and wider regeneration project will be led by Foster + Partners – the architecture firm behind some of the world’s most iconic buildings, as well as the Wembley Stadium and Camp Nou renovations.

Manchester United have played at Old Trafford for 115 years, with the club’s history written into the very walls of each stand. The current plan is to include the original stadium in the revamp, but it is not yet clear whether or not the ground will be demolished.

Conceptual images of the multi-use stadium visualise a futuristic, sustainable ground at the heart of Old Trafford’s community with a public plaza double the size of London’s Trafalgar Square. A large umbrella covering the ground not only shields visitors from the elements, but serves as a renewable energy source, harvesting rain water and solar power. 

Though the project is exciting and one that could contribute to new housing and thousands of jobs in the area, it doesn’t come without concerns. Finances are at the front of the fanbase’s mind, with many worried funding for the stadium will price them out or worsen a financial situation that has negatively affected the club for almost 20 years.

How it will be funded has not been disclosed yet, but the club hopes for the new stadium to be built in the next five years, with Manchester United continuing to play at Old Trafford until construction is complete.