‘Man United stadium won’t get built as fans learn how to oust Sir Jim Ratcliffe’
Man United’s stadium will never get built in the form it has been planned after the club’s 100,000-seater plans were announced, Richard Keys believes.
Man United’s ambitious plans for a “new” Old Trafford, were greeted with mixed reviews from the fans.
Many fans were left unimpressed by the plans, and there are concerns that the £2billion project will affect Man United’s on-pitch spending.
The announced plans were also accompanied by a number of interviews given by minority owner, Jim Ratcliffe, to major news outlets.
The British billionaire was quoted as saying “If I got abused as much as the Glazers I’d have to walk away”, and Keys has given his verdict on Ratcliffe’s statement in his blog.
Man United fans wont be ‘shedding many tears’ if Jim Ratcliffe leaves
The former Sky Sports presenter spoke about the stadium plans, predicting the “oversized tent” will not be built, whilst also suggesting United fans will not be upset should Ratcliffe choose to leave, saying:
“Here’s a prediction. That stadium United have announced will never get built. Something might – but the oversized tent they’ve said they’re going to put up won’t.
“And now United’s long suffering fans know how to get rid of the Jim Reaper – treat him like the Glazers. ‘If I got abused as much as the Glazers I’d have to walk away’, he said last week.
“Fine. Do it Jim. I don’t think too many United supporters would be shedding many tears.”
Ratcliffe has made a number of controversial decisions following his investment into the club last year, including laying-off over 450 United staff members, and sacking Dan Ashworth just six months after hiring him, costing the club at least £10million.
Man United must stay loyal to fans amidst Old Trafford plans
Football Insider Verdict
During Atletico Madrid’s Champions League tussle with their city rivals, Real Madrid, it was noted by some just how special the Atleti fanbase was.
The club made the move from their old home to a new build in the 2017/18 season, and all the usual concerns about atmosphere accompanied it.
However, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano has carried over the same energy once held by the Vicente Calderon Stadium, but it has little to do with the bricks and mortar of the build.
The fanbase live and die by the club’s success, and continue to be made to feel like a valuable component of the team’s present, and future.
The same cannot be said for United at this moment in time. Increased ticket prices are turning die-hard fans away from Old Trafford, and the club is losing its mystique as a consequence.
If Ratcliffe, and the club, want their new, ambitious plans to payoff, they must show more loyalty to a set of fans desperate to turn up and support their team.