Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, reveals that talks are ongoing with INEOS over the future of Old Trafford.
This is the first real indication that INEOS are looking into plans for Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe committed $300 million (£245m) from his multibillion pound fortune to United’s ageing infrastructure as part of a deal to acquire a 25% stake.
Burnham has held discussions with Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford and he dropped a hint about their intentions to take the stadium forward.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester told BBC Radio Manchester (via Manchester Evening News): “To any United fans listening, I am not trying to steer it in any particular way – that’s not my job. Your club needs to decide what it wants. All I am saying is, we are absolutely standing behind the club in saying whatever it is they want, we will facilitate. We will be there to make sure that the club is set up for the future.
“I think there is an exciting potential here, I am talking to the club. I may well be seeing them next week. Sir Jim has really brought a lot of energy to the situation, Sir Dave Brailsford is a brilliant person and is the architect of British cycling success over the last couple of decades and the velodrome in Manchester – he was very much involved in the building of the velodrome and he is bringing that expertise now to United.”
There is still speculation that Old Trafford could be expanded or upgraded.
However, I would not expect to an announcement on the matter until Ratcliffe’s deal has been ratified by the Premier League.
By meeting with Burnham and fan groups in recent weeks, Ratcliffe is not wasting any time and there’s plenty of positive PR doing the rounds about his partial takeover.
Hopefully this leads to a brighter future for our football club.
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It can only do wonders for this huge club if the capacity of the stadium is expanded to 90 thousand.
We could still fill the stadium for every game.