Ratcliffe Emphasises the Need for a Suitable New Stadium for Old Trafford

Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has reiterated his ambition to create a new Old Trafford as the club prepares to announce their stadium plans this Tuesday.

As Old Trafford shows signs of age and disrepair, Ratcliffe has been advocating for a modern, state-of-the-art venue for the team.

The club is currently exploring options to either refurbish the existing stadium or construct a new one in the vicinity, working alongside the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force (OTRFC).

Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who acquired his share in the club last year, is expected to deliver a significant update during an event in London on Tuesday.

In a conversation with former United captain and OTRFC member Gary Neville on the The Overlap podcast, Ratcliffe remarked: “It’s certainly achievable, but it needs to be put into context.”

“If we consider it the greatest football club in the world, then any new stadium should reflect that status.”

“It also needs to represent the prestige of the Premier League, which is the finest league in the world.”

Old Trafford has a seating capacity of 74,197 after numerous renovations since it became United’s home in 1910.

However, Ratcliffe feels it has lost its status as a premier venue in English football, aiming to draw inspiration from Real Madrid’s impressive overhaul of their iconic Bernabeu stadium.

“Right now, when you look at the Premier League, we have some fantastic stadiums, but we lack a Bernabeu or the new Nou Camp. Those aren’t present in our league,” he noted.

Ratcliffe emphasized that United “do not require any government funding” for the new stadium but insisted that it should be part of a government-endorsed initiative to revitalise the surrounding area of Old Trafford.