The Daily Mail reported that Ratcliff was interested in the design of the tent at Manchester United's new stadium.
Although Manchester United insists that the plan for the new futuristic stadium is still in the conceptual stage and that the contract to rebuild Old Trafford will be open for tender, the Post learned that Sir Ratcliffe is already in the tent design. It would be a big surprise if his old friend Sir Norman Foster failed to obtain the £2 billion project.
In the recent Q&A session of the fan forum in June, Manchester United emphasized that the plan announced by Foster Architects in London in March is not the final draft. Manchester United said: "The concept of display is intended to help shape ideas and demonstrate the change potential of the new stadium. These concepts are the starting point for the next phase of work, including more detailed feasibility studies, fan consultation and design deepening."
"The formal process for appointing a stadium architect is in progress and will follow the compliance procedures and governance policies for all appointments of the club."
Although no one questioned the impartiality of the tender, it is understood that the Foster team completed the performance of the £50 million upgrade project on time and on budget, making it a good position in bidding for the Old Trafford project. Meanwhile, Ratcliff favored the bold design proposed by Foster’s architects team, so major changes are unlikely to occur in the final plan.
Manchester United's more urgent issue is to ensure the government's financial support for the overall renovation project of Old Trafford and to reach an agreement with Freightliner on new land behind the stadium. Although the freight company is willing to move to Parkside, its land value is as high as £400 million, ten times the price of Manchester United's bid.
Manchester City has established Mayor Development Company to oversee the overall plan, which means that Manchester United can obtain land through a mandatory purchase order, but this move may take a long time and the price still needs to reflect the land market value.
Manchester United needs additional land to expand the Old Trafford border, and it will cost £300 million to cover the ceiling alone, which makes people wonder whether the total £2 billion budget and the 2030 completion target are realistic.