Man United stadium build could majorly impact on-pitch spending says expert
Man United are pushing ahead with a new stadium but the project could have major on-pitch impact, according to finance expert Stefan Borson.
The Red Devils plan to build a new 100,000-seater stadium, with the aim being to have the stadium built within five years, at a cost of £2billion.
Martin Lipton had previously stated that Man United would have to wait until after 2032 for a new stadium to be built, but the club are attempting to fast-track the process.
Man United fans are divided on the plans for a “new” Old Trafford, with some in favour, whilst others are appalled by the design.
Old Trafford replacement could affect Man United transfers says Stefan Borson
United are already in a difficult situation financially, with this summer’s transfer budget expected to be limited, with the threat of a PSR sanction looming over the club.
Following Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for a new stadium, football finance expert Stefan Borson revealed on X the impact the project could have on “on the pitch” spending, saying: “United must have an idea how they can fund such a project over, say, a 4 year build.
“But unless it is equity (ie someone taking part of the ownership or Glazer/Ratcliffe putting cash in), it absolutely will have a major impact on the pitch spending.”
United, who have debts of over £1billion, are yet to confirm how they plan to finance their new stadium.
In the club’s unveiling of their new plans, Ratcliffe said: “If the government really gets behind this scheme, we will build an iconic football stadium.”
Pressure mounts on Jim Ratcliffe as Man United cling-on to relevancy
Football Insider Verdict
Ex-Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, told Football Insider exclusively Man United’s new stadium could become a “white elephant” if the club’s lack of success continues.
His comments mirror concerns voiced by Paul Merson, who is of the opinion that Man United have a major long-term concern, as global fans turn their support and fandom to the team’s rivals as the Red Devils struggle on the pitch.
The project is an ambitious one, with aims for “large-scale social and economic benefits to the community and wider region”, but it is unclear how Ruben Amorim‘s side factor into these thoughts.
The Portuguese manager is in desperate need of reinforcements to his squad, with United currently sat 13th in the Premier League.
Arsenal have yet to recover from the limitations placed on their spending since building the Emirates stadium, and are on a 21-year drought without a league title.
Should United see their spending power reduced as a result of this new project, the club may struggle to fill their new stadium, with a continued slide down the Premier League a potential unintended consequence.