Manchester United fans have made their feelings clear on an “investment project” that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers have in the pipeline at the Red Devils.
Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of Manchester United after he captured a minority stake in the Premier League club in 2023.
The 72-year-old British billionaire’s stake was ratified in 2024, with Ratcliffe securing a 27.7 per cent stake amid the Glazers continuing their presence at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos team took control of football operations at the Red Devils after the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League approved the United deal.
The United co-owner has already made sweeping changes at Old Trafford since his arrival, including plans to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract.
Ratcliffe has been keen to reduce costs at United and other key changes have included a shake-up to the football hierarchy and ending remote working for staff.
Man Utd fans react to Glazers and Ratcliffe’s plans
Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed to put up £237m for future investment in Old Trafford as part of his £1.25bn for Manchester United.
The Ineos boss has been keen to build a ‘Wembley of the North’ and fans have been divided over the Red Devils moving on from their iconic stadium.
United could create a new 100,000-seat stadium and a task force is in place to consider the possibility of a new venue and redevelopment of Old Trafford.
Red Devils legend Gary Neville is part of the task force alongside the likes of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
United’s stadium has come under scrutiny for falling behind with the times, with rival fans even mocking the ‘leaky roof’ in one section at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) admitted that the Theatre of Dreams needs “updating,” but they don’t support adding more debt to the club.
“Everyone agrees Old Trafford needs updating but the big question is how that is funded,” a MUST spokesperson told The Daily Mail.
“Other clubs have funded stadium work through debt, but due to the existing huge debt burden the Glazers have placed on United, that option is not open to us.”
MUST rule out one idea for Glazers and Ratcliffe
The Manchester United Supporters Trust made their position clear that they would not support the Glazers or Ratcliffe raising prices to fund the new stadium.
“This is an investment project so should be funded by capital, not ticket prices,” a MUST spokesperson added.
“We believe the owners should either invest themselves or issue new shares to allow others – including fans – to invest to make this happen.
“Stadium improvements should not be funded by big-ticket increases on ordinary match-going reds.”
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