Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has met Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the ‘Wembley of the North’, according to a report.
Ratcliffe was at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch the Red Devils slide to another defeat under Erik ten Hag, as uncertainty over the Dutchman’s future continues.
Chasing the title, the home team was Arsenal, who took the title race to the final day with the win and will now wait to see if they will be in the driver’s seat after Manchester City face Tottenham on Tuesday.
Also present at the match was Starmer, a well-known Arsenal fan who was seen smiling in the crowd as he watched his side record another win under Mikel Arteta.
According to The Telegraphthe two men met to discuss plans for United’s new stadium, with roof problems causing parts of Old Trafford to be flooded almost full-time.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (centre left) met Sir Keir Starmer (centre right) to discuss Manchester United’s new stadium plans, according to a report
The Manchester United boss has said he is keen to improve his team’s home ground
Old Trafford’s problems were laid bare against Arsenal on Sunday when heavy rain caused flooding
The two men could be seen talking in the stands, standing close to each other before the match, albeit on opposite sides.
Ratcliffe appears to have his sights set on moving United to a new stadium following his minority takeover earlier this year, but could still renovate the struggling Old Trafford which he previously called ‘tired and in need of renovation’.
Reports suggest he met Starmer, who could become the country’s next prime minister, before his side’s defeat to Arsenal to map out his plan for the new ground.
Starmer was the guest of recently re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who is part of the Old Trafford Reration Task Force – alongside the likes of Lord Coe – to help with the project, and who also took part in the talks.
Should United choose to renovate Old Trafford rather than follow the preferred route of building a new stadium, fans can expect a world-class ‘new’ South Stand and renovation work to all three of Theater of Dreams’ other stands.
The renovation would also focus on increasing the capacity and level of United’s corporate hospitality offering. Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: ‘The first option is to redevelop the current stadium. are mainly focusing on the construction of a new world-class South Stand, as well as the renovation of the other three stands.’
She added: ‘The alternative would be to build a new stadium on our footprint, which could significantly increase capacity and deliver a market-leading stadium and experience for the fans, team and other stakeholders.’
Spectators were shocked as rainwater poured through Old Trafford’s leaking roof at almost full time
Erik ten Hag’s side lost 1-0 to Arsenal as their torrid season continued
The pitch’s problems were highlighted on Sunday when embarrassing images of rain pouring through the leaky roof were shown as the final whistle blew for another home defeat, while Arsenal supporters in the field mocked the issue.
Old Trafford had been in the sun for most of the match, but when thunderstorms broke out towards the end of the match, problems with the roof were again revealed.
A torrent of water poured onto the pitch, forcing many fans to take cover, while many watching the heavyweight match took to social media to lament the dire state of one of the club’s most important symbols.