The future of Old Trafford: Everything we know about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to transform Manchester United's home into a super stadium, including funding and a possible new ground
One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's main goals is to turn Manchester United's stadium into a super stadium, and plans are already underway to do so.
All possibilities are being considered, including building a new ground and expanding Old Trafford.
Many Red Devils fans feel the 'Theater of Dreams is no longer up to par.
AND Ratcliffe has made it clear that one of its priorities is to ensure that wherever united man call home, it is a stadium worthy of the club.
There is a lot of information available and here is everything we know so far.
Future of Old Trafford: potential new stadium
It seems almost inconceivable to imagine United playing anywhere other than Old Trafford.
However the Daily Telegraph report that the Red Devils could build a new ground instead of redeveloping their current home.
They claim Ratcliffe plans to build a 90,000-seat stadium that would be the “Wembley of the north.”
He daily mail They report that any new ground would feature extensive corporate facilities to maximize revenue on match days.
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He does not want to relocate the club but reportedly believes fans would support a new stadium if it were on the same ground, which would mean Old Trafford would be knocked down.
It could be similar to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, which incorporates part of the former White Hart Lane.
However, the club owns 100 acres of land around Old Trafford; 43 of them are ready to be developed and 25 are unused, so there is plenty of scope for a new ground a little away from where Old Trafford is located.
So if United decide it would be best to move to a new ground, they have plenty of land to use because some believe redeveloping Old Trafford would only be a short-term solution.
The future of Old Trafford: remodeling the current ground
Old Trafford has been United's home for 114 years, but it needs some love and care.
Fans of rival clubs now. mock United house status every time they reach the end.
It has capacity for almost 75,000 people, but was not selected to be a host venue of Euro 2028 because nothing has changed since 2006.
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The roof is leaking and there is much room for improvement in many areas.
Ratcliffe has promised an initial £237m for infrastructure but they would need more than that to make the improvements that would be required at United.
If the club decides to renovate Old Trafford, they could expand the south stand or completely redo the whole thing.
The future of Old Trafford: Where does the money come from?
No matter what United decides to do, there will be significant funds involved because it is such a big project.
Of course, simply expanding a booth and ordering some things would be the cheapest option, but others would cost millions.
Ratcliffe has already promised a significant share, but several reports claim he is trying to lobby the government for public funds to help United build a new ground or rebuild Old Trafford.
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The Daily Mail claims that Ratcliffe has spoken to Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and that any approach to Westminster would be part of the government's leveling up promises.
United could also look to get some tax breaks and relaxed planning regulations.
However, because this money would be used solely for football and no other sport or community benefits, it is unclear whether the government would award cash.
It is also unclear how taxpayers, who support and do not support United, would feel if their taxes went towards a stadium for one of the richest clubs in the world.
Another way United could finance it is with its own cash and bank loans, while the Confidence of Manchester United fans They have offered to buy shares in the club.
This would raise capital for investment and give fans a say in the running of the club.
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The future of Old Trafford: What has been said?
Simon Jordan He believes Manchester United's plan to raise public funds to help them build a new ground is wrong.
speaking to talkSPORTHe said: “The stadium is going to cost £2 billion.
“This is a national football club that wants to have government money when its owners have just spent a billion pounds – get lost!
“It has nothing to do with getting money from the government. It has nothing to do with leveling up.
“This is a private company, which benefits only Manchester United and its shareholders.
“Why aren't the Glazers responsible for leveling up Manchester United?”
