British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has big plans for Man Utd (Picture: Getty)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants Manchester United’s new stadium to be a ‘Wembley of the North’ and may ask the Government for financial assistance.
Ratcliffe has big plans for the Red Devils on and off the pitch having acquired 25 per cent of the club, which saw him take control of football operations.
One issue the British billionaire needs to resolve is the state of the club’s home ground amid the ongoing problems at Old Trafford.
There have been reports of a leaking roof, cramped concourses, inadequate legroom, crumbling concrete, flaking paintwork and a lack of space to expand.
It is thought that United may now decide to build a brand new stadium after the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham gave his blessing last week.
According to The Telegraph, INEOS CEO Ratcliffe wants United to have a state-of-the-art ground with a wow factor and he may seek to lobby the UK Government for funds amid Westminster’s ‘Levelling Up’ pledges.
Ratcliffe is broadly opposed to the idea of United relocating and would rather construct a new stadium on land immediately surrounding Old Trafford.
Man Utd’s new ground could have a similar look to Wembley (Picture: Getty)
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United’s new ground could have a similar look to Wembley in London, home of the England national team, which has a capacity of 90,000.
Ratcliffe has not ruled out simply refurbishing Old Trafford – but insiders have raised concerns – and a new stadium is seen as more cost effective solution.
‘We are absolutely standing behind the club,’ the Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham said last week. ‘Whatever it is they want, we will facilitate and we will be there to make sure the club is set up for the future. There is exciting potential.’
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