Man United new stadium in doubt? ‘I’ve got a funny feeling’, says boardroom source
Man United unveiled plans to build a 100,000-seater new stadium close to Old Trafford on Tuesday (11 March).
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe insisted he wants the new ground to be the “world’s greatest” and hoped it could be completed in five years.
The plans feature three masts which architects say will be 200m high and visible for 25 miles around, as well as a huge covered area which will be used to house a museum and fan zone.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910 but is no longer considered fit for purpose.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on the £2billion project.
Man United’s Ratcliffe will execute stadium project, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he has a “funny feeling” Ratcliffe will be able to execute the stadium build despite his “failings” elsewhere.
The British billionaire has faced criticism for his running of Man United since taking control of footballing matters last year (2024).
| Ranking | Stadium | Capacity |
| 1 | Old Trafford (Man United) | 74,197 |
| 2 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham) | 62,850 |
| 3 | London Stadium (West Ham) | 62,500 |
| 4 | Anfield (Liverpool) | 61,276 |
| 5 | Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) | 60,704 |
| 6 | Etihad Stadium (Man City) | 52,900 |
Wyness insisted Ratcliffe has shown he is “great at engineering a physical project” – but is “failing” to understand the emotions of running a football club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I’ve got a funny feeling about the stadium project.
“It’s a £2billion, massive, beautiful, interesting project.
“I get the feeling Ratcliffe will execute this well.
“He’s great at engineering a physical product, as he has been with INEOS. But when it comes to the softer side, the emotions of running a football club and understanding feelings – he’s failing. He’s failed so far.
“I don’t see that side getting any better, he’s not got the personnel in place to do that.
“There will be money around to finance this stadium, I believe. It’s lovely to have the images, it looks very impressive.”
Man United could agree £50m naming rights deal
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (12 March) that Man United could agree a naming rights deal worth more than £50million a year for their new stadium.
United’s shirt sponsor Snapdragon previously expressed its interest in purchasing the club’s stadium naming rights.
Man City currently earn the most in the Premier League from naming rights as Etihad Airways pays around £15million to sponsor their stadium as part of the Abu Dhabi airline’s £80million annual contribution to the club.
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