- The proposals feature three large spires, modelled on United’s crest trident
- But Old Trafford is often flown over by planes operating from Manchester Airport
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Manchester United’s plans for a vast 100,000-capacity new stadium, released last week, raised eyebrows in the aviation world, as well as the sporting sphere.
The proposals feature three giant masts, which are modelled on the Red Devil’s trident on United’s crest.
The towering trio help to elevate an umbrella-style canopy over the planned ‘New Trafford’, which officials say will result in the largest covered space in the world.
Two of the masts are 150m high, while the tallest is a whopping 200m – with Sir Jim Ratcliffe comparing it to the Eiffel Tower – and officials say it would be seen from as far away as the outskirts of Liverpool.
However, United’s stadium is often flown over by planes operating from Manchester Airport, and aviation enthusiasts have wondered how that will work should the project get the green light.
Indeed, Inside Sport understands Old Trafford sits in a zone where any proposed structure of more than 90m needs permission from the airport itself before it can be built.
Manchester United will need to seek permission from the local airport over their new stadium
Three masts – with the tallest standing at 200m – were included in the £2billion proposals
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe compared the biggest mast to the Eiffel Tower
No talks have yet taken place with the airport which, as the crow flies, is around four miles away.
Should United, whose chief operating officer Collette Roche was formerly managing director at the airport, press ahead with the plans, that will need to change.
