Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his best-in-class Ineos team are devising a plan to return Manchester United to the summit of European football.
The stadium is a considerable talking point in this largely-publicised takeover – with the prospect of a new build considered.
We have learned United are now considering selling the naming rights of Old Trafford to fund this project.
That’s according to Adam Crafton in the Athletic, as of lunchtime on Wednesday, 26 June.
Additionally, ticket prices and exploratory talks with major financial institutions are on the agenda.
What we know today
Per the report, the club has held multiple discussions about each topic – even reaching out to the Bank of America.
United have offered no comment in response – similar to the managerial situation underway – but sources state no decision has yet been taken.
Crafton writes: “It is unclear at this stage whether the club or INEOS, the company owned by Ratcliffe, would carry the burden of fresh debt if money is borrowed to fund the infrastructure project.”
As of the latest financials posted in the second quarter of the calendar, a debt of £653.3 Million – excluding monies owed in transfer fees – remains due to the Glazer family mismanagement.
A historic name for an iconic ground
The iconic home of Manchester United football club has been called Old Trafford throughout its 114-year lifespan.
The renaming of English football stadiums has proven an unpopular topic – with Manchester City and Arsenal taking on the mantle with their recent builds.
What has been a regular activity on the continent and in America is not necessarily welcomed by supporters of the Premier League – particularly a wounded fanbase in Manchester.
The report suggests an interesting option being considered by United to appease their customers.
“In the event of a refurbishment, one option may be for United to retain the name Old Trafford but seek to have an associated partner.
“The English national arena, for example, is called Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, for which the network provider pays a reported £10m per year.”
However, should a decision be taken to build a state-of-the-art stadium in place of Old Trafford, the hierarchy would be open to selling the naming rights completely.
The topic of ticket prices
Supporters have already endured an increase of five per cent for the upcoming season tickets – a second increase of five per cent since 2022-23.
The report highlights the real prospect of further inflation to accommodate future infrastructure costs.
“In the event of a substantial stadium project, United are now considering further ticket price increases to help handle the ‘costs of the project’ and keep revenues high enough for the team to be competitive on the field.”
The Theatre of Red contacted sources from one of the largest Manchester United supporter clubs worldwide concerning today’s news.
“We’ve had season ticket prices held for years – which was a great benefit to the many fans that go week in and week out,” our source said.
“We have had ticket prices across the board rise twice in two years with another ticket price hike looking like it’s looming.
“My season ticket has gone up £4 per game in 12 months, from £37 to £41.
“Membership tickets have seen a large increase also, including kids tickets.
“Any further ticket price rises – given the economic climate fans are struggling in as it is with a cost of living crisis – would be hard to stomach”
While we can assume to comprehend the nature of Ratcliffe’s plans in moving forward, supporters are understandably concerned.
They have endured two decades of Glazer mismanagement and greed – with a perennial decline in hope for a sustainable future.
Upon the arrival of Sir Jim, loyal Reds began to believe in the prospect of a bright future with ambitious owners.
While we have sat idle and waited for news about Erik ten Hag, reassurance from the club would go a long way towards settling a nervous reaction.
How do you feel about the breaking news? Let us know in the comments below or across our socials.
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