Gary Neville has been asked to join a special committee to help oversee INEOS’ revamp of Old Trafford and the surrounding areas, as per an exclusive report from The Times.
As supporters will be aware, the Manchester United legend co-owns Hotel Football and University Academy 92, both of which neighbour the stadium.
Given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover was only formally announced by the club on Tuesday, it shows the Englishman is keen to get straight down to business and begin putting the wheels in motion on putting United back on the pedestal they should be on – and that includes significant renovations.
Neville has held meetings with chief operating officer Collette Roche regarding his potential involvement. He is said to be uninterested if the role causes scheduling conflicts with his Sky Sports work, however, is still willing to give his two pence on the topic, which will only benefit his former club.
Times Sport’s report adds: “As The Times reported last week, building a brand-new stadium, at a cost of £1.5 billion to £2 billion, next to Old Trafford is one of two options that Ratcliffe is considering. The other involves refurbishing or redeveloping the “Theatre of Dreams”, which would cost approximately £800 million.
“The new stadium would be located behind the Stretford End, as United own a big stretch of land around the stadium which is used for either car parking or offices. The idea is not simply to build a stadium but to create a new area full of businesses, offices, bars, restaurants and a cinema.”
