Manchester United legends have given their verdict on the rumour that the Red Devils may well be about to build a new stadium.
Old Trafford is a historic stadium, but the reality is that, whether it’s a new ground or renovation of the existing stadia, Manchester United are in dire need of change.
The stadium itself has had issues over the years, whether it’s the leaky roof or the rust on the side of the stadium, the ground needs work and it seems the club agrees with this statement.
Fans, however, remain divided about the decision but it seems the club will be moving ahead with building a new stadium certainly an option for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.
Gary Pallister and Lou Macari react
Two United legends have given their thoughts on the potential of building a new stadium and it appears that it isn’t just fans of the Red Devils who are split.
“Overall, the stadium is brilliant. I’m struggling to find where you could improve things greatly. I wouldn’t like to lose that feeling of being a real football club with history,” Lou Macari told the Daily Mail.
“It’s OK if you want to upgrade it a little bit. But taking away the history of the football club and ending up with a new stadium, I wouldn’t be happy with that and neither would a lot of supporters.”
However, former United defender Gary Pallister believes that a new state-of-the-art stadium might be the way forward.
“I hate to say it because I never thought I’d see the day when I would say, ‘Leave Old Trafford’, but the idea of putting a purpose-built, state-of-the-art stadium next door is appealing,” Pallister said.
“As fantastic a stadium as it is — and it’s not as bad as some people have made out — to make it the Wembley of the North might be the way forward.”
Ratcliffe’s decision
Since Christmas Eve, when Ratcliffe and Ineos finally confirmed their 25 per cent acquisition of the club, the sporting enterprise has been busy getting all of the appointments in place.
Omar Berrada will be the new CEO, with a new director of football set to be appointed shortly and these decisions have been universally popular.
However, moving from Old Trafford would represent the first decision that would split the fanbase. There is no doubt that renovation is needed.
Despite this, Ineos and Ratcliffe must ensure they canvass the opinions of key stakeholders at the club before going ahead with such a big decision.