Man Utd to fix embarrassing Old Trafford roof - but fans still face getting wet

06 January 2024 , 20:30

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to improve Old Trafford (Image: @SoccerAM/Twitter)

Manchester United are finally fixing their leaky roof at Old Trafford.

‌But fans in the offending South Stand still risk a soaking this winter with the club unable to begin major work on the issue until the end of the season. It’s believed United officials and their building partners have held talks with the railway company who operate the rail track behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand which has been affected by roof problems for several seasons.

‌The tricky work cannot take place while Old Trafford is staging matches as specialist cranes are needed for the remedial work to be carried out. That could mean some initial disruption to the Southern route of the Manchester to Liverpool line that runs immediately behind the South Stand.

‌United hope to reach an agreement with Northern Rail over the timing of the works this summer. New £1.25 million investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to improve the match-day experience for fans at Old Trafford, which, with a 76,000 capacity is still the Premier League ’s biggest stadium despite being the butt of derogatory songs from opposing fans.

‌Ratcliffe is believed to have pledged up to £245 million towards infrastructure work and improvements at Old Trafford and the Carrington training centre. And it’s believed talks are on the agenda over plans for either a large-scale refurbishment of the current stadium or financing options for a complete new arena which would include the potentially huge sale of naming rights.

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Old Trafford's leaky roof has been a bone of contention with fans (@SoccerAM/Twitter)

‌As yet, Ratcliffe’s full vision for the immediate, medium and long-term future of United is unclear.

‌But after years of silence and disregard for United’s fan base by the controlling Glazer family - who bought the club for £790 million in 2005 - it’s understood Ratcliffe, himself a life-long fan, wants to build a dialogue and relationship with supporters.

Steve Bates