Man United boss Erik ten Hag backs Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambition to transform Old Trafford into the ‘Wembley of the North’ after Ineos billionaire outlined bold £2billion stadium vision
- Ratcliffe’s plan to transform Old Trafford into a state-of-the-art venue has emerged
- United manager Erik Ten Hag said plans ‘express the club’s ambition’
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Erik ten Hag says Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to turn Old Trafford into the Wembley of the North demonstrate his ambition for the club.
Ratcliffe wants to resolve the stadium’s future once his £1.3 billion investment is confirmed this month, after pledging an addition of £245 million to improve Old Trafford and Carrington’s training base.
The options on the table include redeveloping Old Trafford, demolishing the stadium and building on land next door, or moving to another location in Manchester.
Ratcliffe is said to be in favor of building a new stadium and could explore the possibility of using public money to finance the project, which would include an entertainment complex.
It may take years for all options to materialize, but Ten Hag says it once again demonstrates the exciting plans Ratcliffe has for United following the purchase of a 25 percent stake in the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to transform Manchester United’s Old Trafford home into the ‘Wembley of the North’ by completely rebuilding the stadium, which could cost more than £2 billion
Wembley, in North London, has a capacity of 90,000 people and hosts many major football matches
INEOS billionaire Ratcliffe has pledged an initial £237 million for infrastructure improvements
Ten Hag imagined himself shaking hands with Ratcliffe, who paid £1.3 billion for a 25 percent stake
“So if that is his vision, then I would say that it expresses the ambition of this club, and that is good,” said Ten Hag.
‘But it is not my job at this club to deal with stadium issues and facilities. My job is to manage the team and rebuild the squad.”
More to follow.
