Manchester United supporters continue to await confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club.
15.10.2023 - 10:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United could be set to push ahead with their plans to renovate Old Trafford following the latest takeover news over the weekend.
Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew his offer to buy the club, and now Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to invest as part of a long-term plan to eventually own all of the club himself.
United had effectively put their stadium plans on hold until there was clarity on the takeover situation, and that clarity now appears to have been gained.
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The Manchester Evening News revealed in March that United's powerbrokers were in favour of renovating Old Trafford, despite exploring options to build a new stadium.
It was also revealed that co-chairman Joel Glazer's preference is to preserve the heritage of the 113-year-old stadium, something that is even more significant given that they are set to remain in control of the club for now. Glazer is understood to have likened visiting Old Trafford to attending baseball games at Fenway Park, the storied home of the Boston Red Sox.
United were informed that the cost of rebuilding Old Trafford or building a new stadium is roughly similar, but there were concerns raised that a new stadium could become soulless within a certain period.
It is understood that chief executive Richard Arnold highlighted Villa Park and Goodison Park as grounds that still have the purity and character that modern stadiums lack.
Developers have assured United they have the potential to expand their stadium to any capacity of their choosing, whether a rebuild or renovation, and there is also a pledge to improve the stadium's acoustics.
United
Manchester United supporters continue to await confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club.
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