A major sporting event could be rescheduled after 26 years because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe
RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs are mapping out alternative venues for the Super League grand final should Manchester United’s Old Trafford home be bulldozed.
With the exception of 2020 due to Covid, United’s stadium has hosted the showpiece since 1998 – but the Red Devils’ new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has earmarked the land for a major redevelopment.
That could mean a temporary shift in location Manchester City’s Etihad will probably be preferred.
Newcastle’s St James’ Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which hosted Magical weekend And the challenge Cup finals respectively are also in the frame.
Ratcliffe, 71, has admitted that Old Trafford has become ‘tired’ and needs updating.
To this end, the Ineos chief prefers to build a new stadium on land owned by Man Utd.
One ambitious plan comes in the guise of Ratcliffe wanting to build a so-called “Wembley of the North” using taxpayers’ money.
Another includes a 90,000-seat stadium and a new Stretford End.
He said: “It’s time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.
“If it is feasible, that would clearly be my preference.
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“I would be really excited about the north of England.”
A wonderful step towards this goal includes a five-year plan to redevelop Old Trafford into a place that extends to the water and connects to MediaCity.
Amenities plans include a five-star hotel and a host of other facilities to accommodate Man Utd’s global supporter base, with only a megastore and museum currently available to the club.
Huge infrastructure projects such as those proposed at the Old Trafford site are nothing new for Ineos, which is currently building a £5 billion petrochemical plant in Antwerp, Belgium.
Ratcliffe completed his deal for a 27.7 percent stake in Man Utd in February.
A look into Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plans
Everything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge of Manchester United…