Man Utd show new stadium plans after 'circus tent' Old Trafford backlash

Manchester United's plans to replace Old Trafford with a £2billion new build have been given a makeover following a backlash to initial designs.

Conceptual images of the 100,000-seater stadium - designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners - were released earlier this month as part of ambitious plans laid out by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe wants to rip up the existing Old Trafford site - United's home since 1910 - and build a new arena on adjacent land owned by the club, with the project expected to be completed by 2030.

Along with a new stadium dubbed the 'Wembley of the North', plans included a huge plaza and three towers inspired by the club's trident logo, but some fans were left unimpressed, likening it to a 'circus tent'.

Holiday camp company Butlin’s even trolled United over similarities between the conceptual images and one of their resorts.

That has prompted OLBG to use technology to come up with alternative designs - including an upgraded version of the current Old Trafford, a red glass design, a waterside arena and a futuristic model.

Should Ratcliffe and United decide against pushing ahead with the heavily-criticised initial plans, they now have several other options to choose from.

One design keeps United at their current home but significantly upgrades the existing site - fixing issues such as the leaking roof which has drawn plenty of criticism in recent years.

Another takes inspiration from Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, relocating United to a waterside spot which would turn the new ground into a real destination.

A towering red glass design is perhaps the most eye-catching of the bunch and would easily accommodate Ratcliffe’s desired 100,000 capacity.

While a futuristic model appears in keeping with other recently-built stadiums belonging to some of the biggest clubs in world football and would future-proof United’s home for decades to come.

Ratcliffe has made it his mission to deliver “the world’s greatest football stadium” and is set to push ahead with ambitious plans which club bosses hope will create 92,000 jobs and generate £7.3billion for the local economy.

Speaking about the new stadium, Ratcliffe said: "Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.

"Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

"By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home."

United plan to continue playing at Old Trafford until the new stadium is ready, with the project expected to take around five years to complete."