Manchester United have now revealed the group of architects who will be leading their Old Trafford ‘masterplan’ following months of reports regarding a new stadium/renovation of the existingone.
In truth, the subject of redeveloping Old Trafford has been talked about for much longer than that, even before Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group took control of their minority stake in the club, but it now looks as though the wheels are in motion.
Both the fan base and administration remain seemingly divided over the two prospects – redeveloping the Theatre of Dreams as it stands or erecting an entirely new sporting arena – and a definite decision is still yet to be announced but Man United have now confirmed who will be heading up the process.
Sharing the news on Friday, 20 September, they confirmed that the plans go much further than just the football ground itself and are part of a much wider “masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District”.
ℹ️ A world-renowned architecture studio is set to be appointed to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District 🏟️#MUFC
Unveiling world-renowned architects Foster + Partners as the chosen firm to lead the process, the latest update from the global footballing brand details will extend to cover the land surrounding the stadium which is already owned by the club.
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“The focus will be to design a world-class football destination and home for Manchester United fans, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use developments which will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world”, the statement reads.
As an assurance to the supporters who are still understandably torn over potentially saying goodbye to their ancestral home, the club also reiterated the Old Trafford masterplan will hinge on “substantial engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, whose feedback and insights will be incorporated into the masterplan design.
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The task force was assembled earlier this year and features various figures from different public and private sectors, including the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who has already talked up the project as being arguably “the biggest regeneration scheme in the country”.
Some changes have already been made to the stadium since INEOS Sports came in, such as refurbishing the dressing rooms and the iconic Old Trafford tunnel, as well as expanding safe-standing and most recently updating signage and installations within the matchday kiosks.
According to regular United columnist, Samuel Luckhurst, the belief is that present plans consist of keeping Old Trafford, continuing to update and renovate, but to serve as a reduced capacity ground for the women’s team, while the men would likely move into a new state-of-the-art facility.
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Several walls around the concourse have also been knocked through, allowing fans to walk between stands ‘like back in the old days’. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Commenting on the announcement, the company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Lord Foster, 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…”
Full name Norman Robert Foster, also known as Baron Foster of Thames Bank and now 89 years old, was born in Reddish, Stockport and is behind some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the UK.
As for Man United’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Collette Roche, she 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.”
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Ratcliffe and his partners have already said they want to create a “Wembley of the North” and it looks as though they’ve hired a big name to achieve that goal.
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
One of the most iconic teams to ever walk the Earth, the Harlem Globetrotters, are coming to Manchester city centre for an forgettable night of basketball and entertainment.
Announcing a 2025 UK tour, Harlem’s finest crossing the Atlantic to visit a select few British cities and we’re very lucky to be one of them.
Soon set to land on the court and the big stage at AO Arena this Spring, expect big players, and even bigger crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.
Approaching their momentous 100th anniversary in 2026, the Harlem Globetrotters have contributed massively to the global growth of basketball over the decades.
They might be a household name over in America but it’s a true privilege getting to see them overseas, especially here in our hometown.
Now a fully fledged exhibition team still creating memories all over, they continue to be one of the most entertaining basketball brands on the planet.
Famed not only for popularising the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions and the sport’s well-known figure-eight drill, they changed the face of the game forever and now you can see them doing what they do best in one of the UK most legendary arenas.
Experience the thrill of the Harlem Globetrotters live in action as they showcase breathtaking basketball innovation and plenty of fanfare to boot.
Here’s a little teaser of what’s to come:
From mind-boggling trick shots to expert ball-handling skills, every game promises excitement and laughter. Set to take on their arch nemsis, the Washington Generals, they’re set dribble, spin, slam and dunk their way past the competition.
But we’re not just talking a single game – this event is all about interaction.
Prepare for a proper fan experience like never before as the crowd becomes just as an integral part of the excitement as the players do. There’ll be the one of the best dunk contests you’ll ever see, exclusive pre, post and in-game fan engagement opportunities, a Halftime Skills Showcase and plenty more.
In addition to plenty of atmosphere created by the dedicated DJ, not to mention plenty of slapstick comedy and general showmanship throughout (they do it all, these lot), the audience will be given multiple chances to see the Globetrotters extraordinary talents up and close and personal.
For instance, make sure you don’t miss the ‘5th Quarter’ after the buzzer as people will be giving all access to a Globetrotter Meet and Greet, where every fan is invited down to the court for an autograph from their favourite Harlem Globetrotter stars.
Best of all, this a high energy family friendly for people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy.
Set to arrive at the AO Arena on 23 April before they travel across the rest of the world, the Harlem Globetrotters are made for a sport-loving Manchester crowd.
Featured Images — AO Arena (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sport
Football Manager 25 has been officially cancelled following delays
Danny Jones
Beloved videogame simulator Football Manager 25 has been officially cancelled following continued delays.
The long-standing game where players take control as virtual managers of football teams has been a mainstay of digital sporting entertainment for more than three decades.
Developed by London-based studio Sports Interactive and published by gaming giants SEGA, the game hasn’t missed a single season since it began life as Championship Manager back in 1992.
However, following two significant delays to this year’s title, Sports Interactive have confirmed that Football Manager 25 has now been cancelled, despite countless pre-orders having already been made.
While the news doesn’t come as a total surprise, with FM25 having first been delayed ahead of its initial November 2024 release date and then moved again to March 2025, many fans would
The statement reads: “Sports Interactive [SI] regret to inform that, following extensive internal discussion and careful consideration with SEGA, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Football Manager 25 and shift our focus to the next release.
“For the large numbers of you who pre-ordered FM25, we thank you enormously for your trust and support – we’re very sorry to have let you down. Please see the FAQs below on obtaining your refund.
“We know this will come as a huge disappointment, especially given that the release date has already moved twice, and you have been eagerly anticipating the first gameplay reveal. We can only apologise for the time it has taken to communicate this decision.
“Due to stakeholder compliance, including legal and financial regulations, today was the earliest date that we could issue this statement.”
Insisting that they pride themselves on “delivering the best value for money games that bring you countless hours of enjoyment”, they simply didn’t feel like they were able to release the latest FM title to a good enough standard in its current state following playtesting.
They go on to add that ahead of working on this, the studio undertook the “biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation, laying the building blocks for a new era”, hence why the significant delays. The news has been met with mixed reactions, to say the least.
Don’t worry only gotta wait till November!!! Only in February FFS
— Out of Context Football Manager (@nocontextfm1) February 7, 2025
You can read the statement in full HERE, in which they also rationalise that it simply no longer made sense or felt fair to expect people to buy FM25 when it was ready only to purchase the next instalment later in the year.
Fortunately, with regular updates as well as community mods and patches to the current Football Manager (FM24 was released back in November 2023), loyal fans have been more understanding about the delays and now the cancellation.
SI signed off by stating: “Through the cancellation, every effort is now focused on ensuring that our next release achieves our goal and hits the quality level we all expect. We will update you on how we are progressing with that as soon as we are able to do so.
“Thank you for reading, your patience and your continued support. Our full focus now returns to creating a new era for Football Manager.”
Lighting a candle for the people who collect a physical copy of every Football Manager, with no FM25 their collections will be ruined forever. pic.twitter.com/M1S5LiLJtQ
Danny Jones -
20th September 2024 
