SIR JIM RATCLIFFE considered Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos as investors for Manchester United’s stadium plans, according to reports.
The Red Devils’ co-owner has made clear his desire to build a “Wembley of the North” for the Premier League giants.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has explored ways of financing Man Utd’s new stadiumGetty
Ratcliffe hoped to get billionaire Elon Musk on boardReuters
There is also the option of keeping Old Trafford and pushing ahead with substantial renovations – with the tired stadium plagued by a leaky roof and an infestation of mice, among other issues.
It is understood both plans would cost in the region of £2billion – double what Tottenham splashed on their new home.
And The Athletic are reporting Ratcliffe thought about turning to high-profile business tycoons Musk and Bezos to finance the project.
It is said the Man Utd chief considered approaching the pair worth a combined £583bn.
However, it is “unclear” how seriously Musk and Bezos were considered as potential investors.
Other ways of raising funds for the project have included the recent rise in ticket prices, as well as selling naming rights for the new ground.
Ratcliffe and Ineos have been criticised since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.
They have overseen the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, just months after offering him a new contract.
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Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground
Jeff Bezos was also cited as a potential investorGetty
Sporting director Dan Ashworth also recently departed following a brief five-month stint.
And new head coach Ruben Amorim is already struggling having lost four of his last six games in charge.
Other controversial Ratcliffe decisions include letting 250 employees go, stopping paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelling the Christmas party, and axing company credit cards and private chauffeurs.
He has also gotten rid of staff lunches, accommodation, extra tickets and post-match parties.
What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.