Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Mike Phelan couldn’t resist a dig at the Glazers when he saw Manchester United’s stadium plans.
After months of deliberating, Manchester United confirmed plans to build a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000.
The £2bn project will see the venue built next to the current Old Trafford stadium, allowing the Red Devils to stay there during construction. The new stadium is set to be completed in 2030.
United fans were split on the new stadium and its bold design features, but Sir Alex Ferguson seems to be a big fan. Alongside the first-ever photos of the stadium, Ferguson said: “Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home.”
Fergie’s right-hand man for much of his time at Old Trafford, Mike Phelan, has now had his say.
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Mike Phelan reacts to Man United’s 100,000-seater stadium plans
There is no denying that the stadium concept design is bold and borderline outrageous, with a huge canopy propped up by three towers that represent the devil’s trident on the club badge.
But regardless of what fans think of the design, it does allow United to start a fresh chapter in a new home – and hopefully one that will not be ruined by the Glazer family this time around.
Speaking about the new stadium plans, former United coach Phelan backed the plans, but posed one question to Ineos about whether they can actually make it work.
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In a Q&A session with Laurie Whitwell, he said: “When we’re talking about a new Manchester United, a new ground and a completely out-of-this-world proposal – I think it’s exciting.
“I think it’s a great vision to have, one thing with visions is, can you make it work? Is it doable?
“There’s been a lot of talk in the last 24 hours about what the club will do. I’m sure it’s split through the middle with the supporters about what it should entail and what the transition is going to be like.
“They’re talking about £2bn just to build a stadium, but ultimately I think it’s a positive. I think it’s progression and I think Manchester United need to be progressive.”
Phelan then couldn’t resist taking a swipe at the Glazer family and the current state of Old Trafford: “They probably won’t have leaky roofs.”
The Glazers left Old Trafford to rot
As soon as Ratcliffe and Ineos completed their takeover deal, talk about a new stadium and a ‘Wembley of the North’ began picking up speed.
Ultimately, the Glazers left the new owners no choice but to explore options for a new stadium as the facilities at Old Trafford have grown outdated through their lack of care.
Ratcliffe saw Old Trafford’s leaking roof first-hand when he attended a match against Arsenal last season.
The leaky roof has become a symbol of the Glazer ownership at United, with the American family refusing to invest in the club’s infrastructure during their 20-year tenure.
READ MORE: When Man United will begin work on 100,000-seater stadium as Old Trafford demolition timeline shared
There was even a stage this season where Ruben Amorim’s press conference was interrupted by a leak in the media room. It has become an embarrassing reality for United to face.
Combined with reports of a mice infestation and a one-star hygiene rating, it is clear that Ineos had to act. But the only reason United have to abandon ship is because of the Glazers.