Kieran Maguire: Man United ‘in talks’ over ‘£2billion’ new stadium – ‘there is a problem’
Man United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opened talks with Manchester Council over Old Trafford rebuild
Man United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe must tackle a big problem if he is to construct a new £2billion stadium as club owner.
That is the opinion of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Red Devils can replicate Tottenham’s financial success if a new stadium is constructed.
As reported by The Telegraph, INEOS have opened talks with Manchester mayor Andy Burnham over future plans for Old Trafford.
The report adds that both parties have begun exploring financial options to fund the project with a new stadium estimated to cost between £1.5-£2billion.
Tottenham have thrived financially since the construction of their 62,850-capacity venue in 2019 with the North London club earning £106million in matchday receipts in their latest 2021-22 accounts.
Maguire believes the future of Old Trafford is ‘an elephant in the room’ for Ratcliffe to address but believes a ‘key problem’ is deciding who will fund the project.
“The state of Old Trafford has been an elephant in the room for many years,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“It’s not befitting of a club of the status and stature of Manchester United.
“You talk to fans who sit in the Stretford End and they’ll point out all the failings in terms of facilities, catering space and so on.
“So it’s welcoming to hear that there is talks taking place between Manchester Council and INEOS.
“It’s going to be a very, very expensive transformation if it does take place looking at what’s happened at Spurs,
“If Manchester United want to replicate the quality of their facilities and have a 90,000 capacity stadium then it will cost them £2billion.
“Where that money’s going to come from is going to be a key problem.“
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