Sir Jim Ratcliffe: I want to buy Manchester United | Will make a bid for the club [Telegraph]

[Nou_Camp99]

They’d need to actually own the fecking stadium in order to decide that.
It’d be a decision taken out of their hands by the owners of the site & stadium.

The head of Manchester City council is a massive Bertie Blue. He'd never allow it.

Also I'm sure they have some kind of deal in place now with all the money the Sheikh has spent in East Manchester.

If not Wembley and not the council house....where would we play if we had to build a new stadium?

 

[Spoony]

The Spoonster, page previous I think

I didn't. I want an extensive rebuild over the course of the next few years. I'd like each stand rebuilt, if not every season but every two. But I do think it's important that we think big. We've always done that. Old Trafford was the best stadium in the world when it was built over a century or so ago, I think it's important to keep making statements.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The head of Manchester City council is a massive Bertie Blue. He'd never allow it.

Also I'm sure they have some kind of deal in place now with all the money the Sheikh has spent in East Manchester.

If not Wembley and not the council house....where would we play if we had to build a new stadium?

There’s no deal, Manchester council would ensure United shared the stadium the public own. It’d make them a fecking fortune & there’s simply no way if made public they could justify saying no, it’d be in the best interests of their constituents and for the council.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

There’s no deal, Manchester council would ensure United shared the stadium the public own. It’d make them a fecking fortune & there’s simply no way if made public they could justify saying no, it’d be in the best interests of their constituents and for the council.

I don't think I'd want us playing there tbh even it was allowed which I still dont think it would be.

Be sickening seeing City posters and banners up and those blue seats every other week.

Hopefully we can stay put and renovate OT without a fuss but I have my doubts.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I don't think I'd want us playing there tbh even it was allowed which I still dont think it would be.

Be sickening seeing City posters and banners up and those blue seats every other week.

Hopefully we can stay put and renovate OT without a fuss but I have my doubts.

based on what man? It’s public owned, that’s exactly what would happen if United needed to groundshare at any point, as there’s absolutely zero justification for a no.

I’m also struggling to see how Bev Craig, a Northern Irish lass is some massive bertie? Or how on Earth she’s a “he”.

 

[Plant0x84]

If not Wembley and not the council house....where would we play if we had to build a new stadium?

If we have to move the stadium over to account for the railway line, could we not build 2/3 of the stadium around OT like spurs did then demolish in the summer and lay a pitch so we can play in our own stadium as it’s being built?

 

[Gazza]

I didn't. I want an extensive rebuild over the course of the next few years. I'd like each stand rebuilt, if not every season but every two. But I do think it's important that we think big. We've always done that. Old Trafford was the best stadium in the world when it was built over a century or so ago, I think it's important to keep making statements.

Renovation/rebuild of original structure for legitimate reasons (legroom - yes; more cafes in the concourses - arsed), I'm on board with. The only statement we'd be making by leaving Old Trafford is "we're just another club". Ask Arsenal fans what kind of statement the Emirates has made for them. In fact, this whole "making statements" thing sounds like corporate speak, buzzwords that don't actually mean anything. What kind of tangible benefits are we looking for exactly? Or are we just feeling insecure about our status as a Big Club and want something shiny to make us feel like we're keeping up with the Joneses? These are relevant questions to address before we commit >1 billion to a project that ultimately may not improve the bottom line or the football team's fortunes.

I feel people get swept up in this "Old Trafford is decaying/rotting from the inside" narrative because it's a useful visual metaphor for how the Glazers have mismanaged the club as a whole. I don't doubt that the stadium is outdated and in poor nick and that requires upkeep, probably serious levels of renovation at this point, but the idea that our stadium's bells and whistles have any meaningful effect on how Man Utd performs as a football club is just folly imo.

Edit: Fair play @Spoony you're more in favor of modernizing the stadium that building a new one, it seems, I jumped the gun a bit there, sorry. Still not sure how much of all this really impacts how we do as a football team though.

 

[Sushi Kagawa]

We will most likely build a new stadium next to the current stadium as we own the land and has plenty of space to build.

Worse case we can play at Evertons ground

 

[Champ]

Why has this thread turned into a discussion on Old Trafford??

 

[phelans shorts]

based on what man? It’s public owned, that’s exactly what would happen if United needed to groundshare at any point, as there’s absolutely zero justification for a no.

I’m also struggling to see how Bev Craig, a Northern Irish lass is some massive bertie? Or how on Earth she’s a “he”.

I think he means Burnham (the gigantic Everton fan and scouser)

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Why has this thread turned into a discussion on Old Trafford??

People doubt INEOS have the finances to do what is required with regards to rebuild/refurbishing Old Trafford.
It’s turned to a discussion as to whether or not it’s even something urgently required.

 

[red thru&thru]

People doubt INEOS have the finances to do what is required with regards to rebuild/refurbishing Old Trafford.
It’s turned to a discussion as to whether or not it’s even something urgently required.

The stadium wouldn't be urgent. For me, list of priorities:

1. Footballing structure, including the CEO.

2. Working towards success on the pitch.

3. Redeveloping OT, Carrington, youth/women's team stadium.

 

[sglowrider]

Where else would we play? City won't be sharing.

I think it could well be an option. ST holders in the north would have to be offered a grace year.

We could use the OT cricket grounds.

 

[phelans shorts]

We could use the OT cricket grounds.

It’s not set up for segregation in the slightest. Logistically it would be near impossible, and that’s before it’s capacity being just under half of the total number of season tickets (although there is a new stand being build, still will be <25k off the top of my head)

 

[sullydnl]

You're advocating a new build than an extensive rebuild of Old Trafford, Sully?

I think if we're going to upgrade then we should do it properly and have the ambition to make the stadium one of the best, most modern and most impressive on the planet. With a new owner coming in that would feel like a significant statement of intent for the future.

If we can do that just by rennovating the current stadium, that's ideal. But if a new stadium is what's realistically needed then that's just what has to happen.

And my completely uninformed and unknowledgeable guess is that the latter is more likely to be the case, because it will be more practical to build that sort of stadium from scratch rather than from an older stadium.

What I wouldn't want to see is us spending a lot of money just to settle for a still-not-amazing Old Trafford for decades to come for no reason other than nostalgia and a sense of tradition. Or worse again, getting rid of Old Trafford just to build a mediocre stadium in its place. As long as we aim big, I don't mind which route we go.

 

[Gazza]

Genuinely, I still don't fully appreciate what the tangible benefit is to making "a statement of intent" w/r/t building a new stadium. A statement of intent to whom exactly? How will such a statement make us more successful on the pitch, particularly to the tune of £1.X billion?

 

[sullydnl]

Genuinely, I still don't fully appreciate what the tangible benefit is to making "a statement of intent" w/r/t building a new stadium. A statement of intent to whom exactly? How will such a statement make us more successful on the pitch, particularly to the tune of £1.X billion?

A statement of intent to fans and potential commercial partners. Symbolism has value, as does positive press, as does having as attractive an image of the club as possible to sell.

Second, a better stadium means a better experience for the people who attend, be they match-goers or tourists. Because, unsurprisingly, people tend to like being in nicer places and spending money on nicer things. And typically fans should be in favour of people having a better experience when they visit United's stadium, at least if they're not "real fans don't need that stuff" snobs.

Third, and probably most importantly, there's a lot of money it in over the long term. I mentioned on the previous page some of the developments planned for stadiums going forward, including the integration of 5G tech, augmented reality and virtual reality. All of which offers avenues to make a lot of money and not just from the fans in the stadium itself. Or at least it does if you have the capability to take advantage of it. And where a stadium like Spurs' already has that 5G capability, ours currently struggles with basic wifi.

And the club making money is good for the club and good for the team. Because money drives what happens on the pitch.

 

[Gazza]

A statement of intent to fans and potential commercial partners. Symbolism has value, as does positive press, as does having as attractive an image of the club as possible to sell.

Second, a better stadium means a better experience for the people who attend, be they match-goers or tourists. Because, unsurprisingly, people tend to like being in nicer places and spending money on nicer things. And typically fans should be in favour of people having a better experience when they visit United's stadium, at least if they're not "real fans don't need that stuff" snobs.

Third, and probably most importantly, there's a lot of money it in over the long term. I mentioned on the previous page some of the developments planned for stadiums going forward, including the integration of 5G tech, augmented reality and virtual reality. All of which offers avenues to make a lot of money and not just from the fans in the stadium. Or at least it does if you have the capability to take advantage of it. And where a stadium like Spurs' already has that 5G capability, ours currently struggles with basic wifi.

And the club making money is good for the club and good for the team.

To be honest, only the first reason you gave strikes me as a 'statement of intent', the other two are just valid rationale for wanting something better than what we've currently got, which is fine to me. It's the statement of intent part that seems like a vaguery. Our positive image to sponsors depends on a lot of other factors before the condition of the stadium comes into play, I'd wager. Sponsors also presumably are attracted to the history and heritage of Old Trafford. Nevertheless, I take your points but just don't think they support the investment needed for a new stadium.

 

[Bert_]

A statement of intent to fans and potential commercial partners. Symbolism has value, as does positive press, as does having as attractive an image of the club as possible to sell.

Second, a better stadium means a better experience for the people who attend, be they match-goers or tourists. Because, unsurprisingly, people tend to like being in nicer places and spending money on nicer things. And typically fans should be in favour of people having a better experience when they visit United's stadium, at least if they're not "real fans don't need that stuff" snobs.

Third, and probably most importantly, there's a lot of money it in over the long term. I mentioned on the previous page some of the developments planned for stadiums going forward, including the integration of 5G tech, augmented reality and virtual reality. All of which offers avenues to make a lot of money and not just from the fans in the stadium itself. Or at least it does if you have the capability to take advantage of it. And where a stadium like Spurs' already has that 5G capability, ours currently struggles with basic wifi.

And the club making money is good for the club and good for the team. Because money drives what happens on the pitch.

I'm on board with this but how do you see the augmented and virtual reality fitting in? I can see a future where people can VR into the stadium as if they are there in the stands but that doesn't mean much if you are actually there.

AR could be interesting. Getting live stats, replays, ball tracers etc whilst you watch in the stands. Surely that would mean everyone has to be wearing some kind of headset though?

I'd also hate it with a passion and moan about it constantly! Then again I despair every time broadcasters overlay tables of random stats onto their feed so I'm probably just being a miserable sod! It's going to be the future ain't it

 

[Red Dreams]

I didn't. I want an extensive rebuild over the course of the next few years. I'd like each stand rebuilt, if not every season but every two. But I do think it's important that we think big. We've always done that. Old Trafford was the best stadium in the world when it was built over a century or so ago, I think it's important to keep making statements.

Fully agree Spoons.

Restore our stadium fully. And maintain it.
Old Trafford cannot be replaced.
Far too much history.

 

[crossy1686]

Fully agree Spoons.

Restore our stadium fully. And maintain it.
Old Trafford cannot be replaced.
Far too much history.

Knocking down every stand and rebuilding it, is the same as replacing it, and not necessary.

 

[Devil81]

Knocking down every stand and rebuilding it, is the same as replacing it, and not necessary.

Yeah, kinda like Triggers broomstick and brush. If you replace each stand it's effectively a new stadium.

Just build a new super stadium in the car park next door.

 

[Spoony]

[

Knocking down every stand and rebuilding it, is the same as replacing it, and not necessary.

But keeping the South Stand and incorporating it. So, it's not completely Trigger's broom. The South Stand tunnel is the only thing left from the original stadium anyway.

 

[Spoony]

I think if we're going to upgrade then we should do it properly and have the ambition to make the stadium one of the best, most modern and most impressive on the planet. With a new owner coming in that would feel like a significant statement of intent for the future.

If we can do that just by rennovating the current stadium, that's ideal. But if a new stadium is what's realistically needed then that's just what has to happen.

And my completely uninformed and unknowledgeable guess is that the latter is more likely to be the case, because it will be more practical to build that sort of stadium from scratch rather than from an older stadium.

What I wouldn't want to see is us spending a lot of money just to settle for a still-not-amazing Old Trafford for decades to come for no reason other than nostalgia and a sense of tradition. Or worse again, getting rid of Old Trafford just to build a mediocre stadium in its place. As long as we aim big, I don't mind which route we go.

I think if we're going to upgrade then we should do it properly and have the ambition to make the stadium one of the best, most modern and most impressive on the planet. With a new owner coming in that would feel like a significant statement of intent for the future.

If we can do that just by rennovating the current stadium, that's ideal. But if a new stadium is what's realistically needed then that's just what has to happen.

And my completely uninformed and unknowledgeable guess is that the latter is more likely to be the case, because it will be more practical to build that sort of stadium from scratch rather than from an older stadium.

What I wouldn't want to see is us spending a lot of money just to settle for a still-not-amazing Old Trafford for decades to come for no reason other than nostalgia and a sense of tradition. Or worse again, getting rid of Old Trafford just to build a mediocre stadium in its place. As long as we aim big, I don't mind which route we go.

Thing is renovating will have to be a virtual rebuild. A simple renovation won't increase tread and seat sizes.

 

[red thru&thru]

You should future proof your stadium as much as possible.

Check out the SoFi Stadium.

 

[Marwood]

You should future proof your stadium as much as possible.

Check out the SoFi Stadium.

Without watching it the vid says $5 bililon was the cost.

I don't think any new owner will spend that nor would I really want them two. I'd much rather they spend half of that amd the other half goes towards players for the next few years.

Afterall a nice stadium is pointless if you haven't got the right playing talent.

 

[Wibble]

The leg room is horrendous and the seat spacing not much better. Not sure you can do much about that if you revamp OT.

 

[red thru&thru]

Without watching it the vid says $5 bililon was the cost.

I don't think any new owner will spend that nor would I really want them two. I'd much rather they spend half of that amd the other half goes towards players for the next few years.

Afterall a nice stadium is pointless if you haven't got the right playing talent.

It all depends on the owners.

I'm not suggesting how much should or should not be spent on a stadium, however, what I am showing is, what other sports stadiums are offering.

 

[Gavinb33]

The leg room is horrendous and the seat spacing not much better. Not sure you can do much about that if you revamp OT.

Exactly this, you can't renovate this issue out of existence and want to keep attendances where they are there just isn't room.

 

[Spoony]

How do they intend to make their money back on the Sofi Stadium? That's just a insane amount. Surely football fans are are different breed to NFL fans? I'm not sure heated seats and what not is needed*

I'm not actually sure they've got heated seats*

 

[phelans shorts]

You should future proof your stadium as much as possible.

Check out the SoFi Stadium.

That stadium looks so lifeless and well, crap

How do they intend to make their money back on the Sofi Stadium? That's just a insane amount. Surely football fans are are different breed to NFL fans? I'm not sure heated seats and what not is needed*

I'm not actually sure they've got heated seats*

They don’t, they just did the usual American trick of blackmailing the local council into paying for it by threatening to leave for another city

 

[red thru&thru]

How do they intend to make their money back on the Sofi Stadium? That's just a insane amount. Surely football fans are are different breed to NFL fans? I'm not sure heated seats and what not is needed*

I'm not actually sure they've got heated seats*

In all honesty, I've not looked into how they would look to make their money back. Sponsorships, such as SoFi, is one obvious way. Others are with the retail, amenities, real estate, match day experiences, etc, will be other ways.

Granted fans of different sports are different and will consume their sport in a different way, however, advancements are always important. Who knew we wanted smart phones before they were a thing? We should look to continually advance the fan experience.

 

[Gavinb33]

How do they intend to make their money back on the Sofi Stadium? That's just a insane amount. Surely football fans are are different breed to NFL fans? I'm not sure heated seats and what not is needed*

I'm not actually sure they've got heated seats*

In the States the tax payer heeds some of the stadium funding as not to lose the revenue from teams in that particular city or to lure a team from another city to play there, unsure how much if any California put in.

Also 2 teams play in that stadium currently so they get double revenue from Rams and Chargers.

I'd imagine the rest is from other events and such although how much that brings is anyone's guess, I am pretty sure Wrestlemania is upcoming at that stadium over 2 days so will be significant revenue from that

 

[Spoony]

That stadium looks so lifeless and well, crap

They don’t, they just did the usual American trick of blackmailing the local council into paying for it by threatening to leave for another city

I prefer the other one the same architects designed. Colts stadium I think.

 

[red thru&thru]

That stadium looks so lifeless and well, crap

People who have been say different.

There's plenty of fans that say OT is cr*p. You can't please everyone.

 

[Sushi Kagawa]

Without watching it the vid says $5 bililon was the cost.

I don't think any new owner will spend that nor would I really want them two. I'd much rather they spend half of that amd the other half goes towards players for the next few years.

Afterall a nice stadium is pointless if you haven't got the right playing talent.

No the whole project was 5 billion not just the stadium.

We can only dream of this ambition

 

[HookedOnAPhelan]

How the feck did they manage to spent $5bn when Spurs' new stadium only cost £1bn? Just how many cheese rooms do they have?

 

[Big Andy]

This one would suit the Manchester industrial heritage and look/feel

 

[phelans shorts]

I prefer the other one the same architects designed. Colts stadium I think.

Certainly has a lot more personality, something like that would fit in with Manchester a hell of a lot better too if we were to go down the new stadium route.

 

[Spoony]

People who have been say different.

There's plenty of fans that say OT is cr*p. You can't please everyone.

It's probably a great stadium but aesthetically it's not a football stadium. I like the look of the the retro designed ball parks in the US. Miller Park for example.