Paul Scholes has issued a surprise verdict on Manchester United’s new stadium as he issues a warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe following a series of interviews this week.
Manchester United have unveiled ambitious plans to construct a brand-new stadium, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe aiming to create a venue that rivals London’s Wembley Stadium.
The proposed stadium is expected to have a capacity of approximately 100,000, serving not only as United’s new home but also as a multipurpose venue for concerts and other major events. Additionally, the project will be at the heart of a larger development, transforming southern Manchester into a bustling metropolis.
Ratcliffe has emphasised that the stadium will play a key role in the Government-backed regeneration of the area, with projections suggesting it could generate at least £7 billion annually for both the club and the local economy.
During construction, United are expected to continue playing at Old Trafford, with the historic stadium set to be demolished once the team transitions to their new home.
Scholes issues new stadium verdict
Speaking with TNT Sports ahead of United’s Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad, former United midfielder Paul Scholes was asked for his initial reaction following the stadium announcement earlier this week.
Rather surprisingly, Scholes explained that he was quite excited about it, which is a verdict that may surprise some considering how special Scholes holds Old Trafford.
“I was quite excited about it,” Scholes ecplained. Obviously, this stadium holds many memories for me. But, look, I’ve played in some of the greatest stadiums in the world.
“You think of the Bernabéu, the Nou Camps, the San Siros, great history. And this place has got that type of history for me as well. But I think it’s about time that Manchester United caught up, stadium-wise.
“As much as this will be sad to say goodbye to, I think the time is right to move to a new, better, bigger, brilliant stadium that this one looks like it’s going to be.”
Scholes issues warning to Ratcliffe
However, Scholes was not without his criticisms. When asked how he feels about the stadium’s unique design, he explained it looks “fantastic” but questions if the decision makers can actually deliver it.
“I do, yeah. It looks fantastic,” Scholes continued. “If it’s deliverable, I don’t know. We know how much money it’s going to cost, £2 billion or something, is it? Whether that money can be raised, I don’t know. I hope so.
“I think it’s been an exciting week in some ways. For a start, I know we’re actually communicating with the fans and the people of Manchester, which hasn’t happened for quite some time now. I know they’re only words and, you know, things need to be proven that that’s going to happen.
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“But there were some exciting things in there. I always look at the team as the most exciting thing, and the most important thing, we’re saying three to five years that he thinks they can deliver a team and a squad of players that are going to be good enough to compete.
“But again, they’re all words, aren’t they? Talk is cheap. When that actually happens, then I’ll be as excited as everybody else. And again, with the stadium as well, once it happens, then great. “But it’s okay coming out saying all these things.
“These things have to be proven that you can do them. I just hope they come true from what it’s told us.”
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