Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has met Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the ‘Wembley of the North’.
Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch the Red Devils slip to yet another defeat under Erik ten Hag as uncertainty continues over the Dutchman’s future.
The hosts went down to title-chasing Arsenal, who took the title race to the last day with their victory and will now wait to see if they will be in the driving seat after Manchester City face Tottenham on Tuesday.
Also in attendance at the game was Starmer, who is a known Arsenal fan and was seen smiling in the crowd as he watched his side secure another victory under Mikel Arteta.
The two men met to discuss plans for United’s new stadium, with roof issues causing areas of Old Trafford to flood close to full time. Mail Sport reported in February that Ratcliffe wants United’s famous home to become the ‘Wembley of the North’.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (centre left) met Sir Keir Starmer (centre right) to discuss Manchester United’s new stadium plans
The Manchester United chief has made it known that he would like to improve his side’s home
Old Trafford’s problems were laid bare against Arsenal on Sunday as heavy rain cause floods
The two men could be seen chatting in the stands, situated near each other for the game, though on opposing sides.
Ratcliffe appears to have set his heart on moving United to a new stadium following his minority takeover earlier this year, but could yet renovate the struggling Old Trafford he previously branded ‘tired and in need of refurbishment’.
Starmer was a guest of recently-re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who is on the Old Trafford Regenration Task Force – alongside the likes of Lord Coe – to help the project, and who also joined the talks.
Should United choose to refurbish Old Trafford rather than take the preferred route of building a new stadium, fans could expect a ‘new, world-class’ South Stand and refurbishment work on all three of the Theatre of Dreams’ other stands.
A major focus on the refurbishment would also go on increasing the capacity and standard of United’s corporate hospitality offerings. Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: ‘The first option is to redevelop the current stadium, which would; focus primarily on building a new world-class South Stand, as well as refurbishment of the other three stands.’
She added: ‘The alternative would be to build a new stadium on our footprint, which could significantly increase capacity, and deliver a world-leading stadium and experience for fans, the team, and other stakeholders.’
Onlookers were shocked as rain water rushed through Old Trafford’s leaky roof near full time
Erik ten Hag’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal as their torrid season continued
The ground’s issues were highlighted on Sunday when embarrassing scenes of rain pouring through its leaky roof were seen as the final whistle blew on another home defeat, with Arsenal supporters in the ground mocking the issue.
Old Trafford had been bathed in sunshine for the majority of the encounter but when thunderstorms broke towards the end of the game, issues with the roof were once again exposed.
A torrent of water cascaded onto the pitch, forcing many fans to run for cover, while many of those watching the heavyweight clash took to social media to lament the sorry state of one of the most important symbols of the club.
