The Red Devils’ home of 114 years has long been in desperate need of renovations, with owners the Glazer family neglecting the legendary stadium since their 2005 takeover. The cost and time needed to redevelop the existing structure means the British billionaire could ask the UK Government to help fund a new build next to the existing site. “He feels the club needs an absolute state-of-the-art, knock-it-out-of-the-park, ‘wow’ stadium,” a source close to Ratcliffe said. “And we feel there’s a strong argument for the country having a top-class major venue in the north – a Wembley of the North.” It’s believed he doesn’t want United to relocate, but there’s a feeling in the Ineos camp that supporters would be open to the idea of starting afresh just a stone’s throw away.
Expanding Old Trafford as it stands today remains an option, with around 25% estimated to be currently empty or unusable, allowing plenty of breathing space. However, taking that path has been predicted to take eight years. Ratcliffe may seek to lobby the Government for financial assistance as part of their Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill. He would still have to dip considerably into his own pockets regardless.
Ratcliffe’s minority takeover of United, which is seeing him gain control of football operations, is due to gain regulatory approval in the coming weeks. The cost of a new ground has been put in the ballpark of £1.5 billion to £2 billion. *United fans – which option would you prefer and why?
