Paul Merson is unimpressed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's latest move
Paul Merson is unimpressed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's latest move
Paul Merson has slated Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's plans to build a new stadium despite their current struggles.
The former Arsenal forward has labelled the intention to build a new 100,000 capacity ground as 'pathetic' and believes it signals that Ratcliffe is more focussed on a new stadium rather than seeing his side return to Champions League competition. The announcement arrived with United in 14th position in the Premier League and the Europa League the only opportunity to find success this term.
United are set to knock down Old Trafford and spearhead a £2billion build on the site. It is estimated the project will create up to 92,000 new jobs and more than 17,000 new homes.
But Merson has been left aghast at the pride Ratcliffe has found in asserting England will be able to play at the new ground. The Sky Sports pundit outlined that he would be vexed if he was a fan of the Red Devils.
"I've got no interest at all, I think it's pathetic. If I'm a Man Utd fan I'd be fuming," Merson said.
"Old Trafford is one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League. I can understand if it's Chelsea - they need a bigger capacity stadium to keep on living with the big boys.
"When it's Manchester United, who have a huge stadium, why would you need another stadium? They need new players, they need a team. This is what I can't work out.
United hope the stadium will be the envy of the football world
United hope the stadium will be the envy of the football world
"I hear Sir Jim Ratcliffe going 'England will be able to play here'. Don't worry about the national team, worry about Man United and getting them into the top six. I'm flabbergasted at what I'm seeing."
"It's fascinating," Merson added. "Unbelievable what's going on at that club.
"Old Trafford holds 70,000 already, they don't need a new stadium - they just need to polyfilla some of those holes where the rain comes through. Worry about yourselves, not England or anyone else."
Merson is hopeful that Ruben Amorim is the correct figure to take the club forward, and highlighted his credentials. But the ex-striker does not believe United will be in the top six even in 12 months time.
"I hope he is the right man. He's a young, enthusiastic coach who has done brilliantly in Portugal. He broke up the Benfica-Porto dominance over there. It would be like someone going to Hearts or Hibs and stopping the Celtic-Rangers dominance in Scotland.
"He's done great, so I hope he gets it right but he needs players to work to his system. I think they are a million miles off.
"If someone said to me 'top six next season', I'd say 'no chance'. They've got more interest in building stadiums than getting the team back into the Champions League."
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