Gary Neville gives verdict on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rumoured £245 million investment into Man United infrastructure

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Gary Neville has given his verdict on the news surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s pledged £245 million investment into Manchester United.

Over the weekend, Sky News reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was ready to invest £245 million of his own money into stadium improvements and the ageing infrastructure of the club.

The report from Sky goes on to say that the bulk of the money would be paid into the club towards the end of this year, which would be a huge boost for Manchester United.

Gary Neville has given his verdict on the news and his reaction mirrors the rest of the United fanbase, caution is required.

Neville on Ratcliffe proposal

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast on Sky Sports, Neville sounded pessimistic about the news and has laid out what needs to be done to get the fans onside.

“What we need to hear is the full proposal and how it is going to work,” Neville said.

“You don’t sit here as a Manchester United fan, wholly impressed by the idea of £245m going in to improve the stadium because we know that Real Madrid and Barcelona are spending a billion to get their stadiums right with a full refit, and we know that other clubs have spent significantly more.

“So, we know that is not actually going to touch the sides properly of a full refurb of Old Trafford but what it is, is a significant amount of money – and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a smart and successful businessman.”

Ratcliffe move step in the right direction

Despite the scepticism from Neville about the news, a £245 million investment into the stadium which hasn’t been properly worked on since the Glazer family took control of the club is a huge positive.

The money probably would not have the desired effect of making the stadium as good as Tottenham Hotspur’s or Barcelona’s new stadium but it would certainly be a start.

If Ratcliffe’s 25% stake in the club leads to a full takeover, you would hope the amount invested by the 71-year-old would quadruple as a result of owning 100% of the club.

Nevertheless, any money invested into the stadium is a step in the right direction.