TalkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan dropped his two cents on an “ambitious” plan that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers want to roll out at Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of Manchester United after the 72-year-old Ineos chief captured a minority stake in the Premier League club in 2023.
The British billionaire’s deal, which was ratified in 2024, to take over part of the Red Devils included Ineos taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s initial investment at United saw him acquire a 27.7 per cent stake at a deal of around £1.25bn, but he has since increased his percentage in the club.
The lifelong United fan now owns a 28.94 per cent stake in the Red Devils after he put another £79.43m into the Premier League club last December.
Ratcliffe’s reign at United has been met with a mixed reception so far amid Red Devils supporters’ disdain for the Glazers’ controversial ownership.
The Ineos chief hasn’t been afraid to make controversial decisions at Old Trafford, including increasing matchday ticket prices and making sweeping cuts at United.
Jordan on Glazers and Ratcliffe at Man Utd
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment into Manchester United included a hefty amount of funds dedicated to the revamp of the iconic Old Trafford stadium.
The United co-owner has promised an eye-watering £237m for plans to invest in the Red Devils’ stadium, with ideas underway for a potential major overhaul.
Ratcliffe has outlined his desire to establish a ‘Wembley of the North’ and a new stadium for United could have a capacity of up to 100,000 people.
The Red Devils’ plans for a new stadium could cost a staggering £2bn, but United’s new stadium could kickstart a regeneration project of the surrounding area.
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Simon Jordan has insisted that the optics of a new United stadium would yield an “increasing long-term commercial value.”
“I’m not surprised he and the Glazers want an ambitious new stadium,” he said.
“The optics are good – it makes United look big, bold and progressive – but it also talks to the fundamental purpose of increasing long-term commercial value.
“Look to America and see the stadium footprint of the Miami Dolphins which has a fully fledged Formula One race track.
“It reinforces the idea that Manchester United are important and increased capacity means greater revenues. It would let them monetise new digital technology, increase corporate areas and host other events, sporting and entertainment.
“Traditional football fans may not like all that hullabaloo but in the real commercial world in which football now exists, it’s what needs to be done.”
Jordan on Man Utd ‘stadium reboot’
Jordan claimed that United won’t face the “same obstacles and challenges” as other English teams have done with the development of their new “modern stadium.”
“Really, it’s all of the above and recent history will tell you building a modern stadium is both a challenge and an opportunity,” he wrote for the newspaper.
“Fans of Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton know the compromises their clubs have endured to make expensive upgrades.
“The next likely cab off the rank for a complete stadium reboot is the Glazer/Sir Jim Ratcliffe project.
“But being a unique beast, I think Manchester United will not have the same obstacles and challenges some others have faced.
“Among Premier League clubs, United are in a bracket of their own irrespective of a decade of decay and their current playing malaise under Ruben Amorim.
“Despite figures supposedly showing Liverpool have been watched more in the past 12 months around the globe, United have unsurpassed recognition in terms of worldwide support and brand relationships.”
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