Man United news: Kieran Maguire wants Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s request to be rejected
Sir Jim Ratcliffe should receive no public funding to build a new state-of-the-art stadium at Man United.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Ratcliffe’s request is ‘eyebrow-raising’ and mischievous.
The British billionaire has assumed sporting control at Old Trafford after completing a £1.3billion minority takeover deal in December.
Ratcliffe has publicly spoken about his plans to build a new stadium, suggesting it is a ‘no-brainer’ to construct a £2billion venue.
As reported by The Times, Ratcliffe has requested public funding for the project, which is set to be part of a wider renovation of the area.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘mischief’ at Man United should be rejected
Maguire believes public funding to renovate the area will be welcomed but no money should go to Manchester United as they already earn more matchday revenue than any other Premier League club.
“For a company that already has the highest matchday revenue of any club in the country, to plead poverty is eyebrow-raising,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“Given that Rochdale are just 10 miles away and are in danger of going into liquidation, it would be very difficult to justify a well-known tax exile receiving public funding for a new stadium.
“I think there’s a bit of mischief from Ratcliffe.
“I think the main aim will be to get grants for that area of Manchester and I think that would be welcomed.
“Public funding for that is absolutely fine and a new stadium can be an integral part of that.
“But none of the money should be allocated to the club itself.
“Manchester United can afford to do this, INEOS can afford to do this and Jim Ratcliffe can afford to do this.“
In other news, Kieran Maguire says Dan Ashworth could cover £20m fee ‘in one deal’ at Man United
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