The chaos at Old Trafford caused by the thunderstorm on Sunday has highlighted the ongoing issue with the stadium’s leaky roof. The heavy rain resulted in a two-hour downpour, flooding the pitch and causing disruption to post-match routines for both players and media. Interviews had to be moved due to potential risks, and reporters and club staff had to cover electrical equipment or relocate. The rainwater could be seen streaming through the stands and even partially flooding the tunnel.
Club staff had to undergo an extensive overnight clean-up operation to ensure that the stadium was fully operational for the next day. Fortunately, there are no indications that Wednesday’s match against Newcastle will be called off. Despite Manchester United’s claims that the issues were caused by the roof draining system overflowing, rival fans have long mocked Old Trafford’s leaky roof. The club has considered putting a new roof on the stadium in recent years but deemed it too costly.
However, since Ineos’s partial purchase of the Red Devils earlier this year, there have been discussions about building a new stadium. In March, Sir Jim Ratcliffe outlined plans for a state-of-the-art, 100,000-seater stadium on the existing Old Trafford site. Ratcliffe believes that building a “Wembley of the north” would provide a platform for major competitions in the region and address the imbalance between the north and south of England in terms of hosting major football events.
A taskforce, led by Lord Coe and including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has been established to explore these plans further. Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand has also called on Ineos to improve the club’s training and changing facilities. He believes that if things aren’t right behind the scenes, it will inevitably affect performance on the pitch.
If building a new stadium proves to be unfeasible, Ratcliffe has several plans for improving Old Trafford. Architectural design company Populous, known for their work on stadiums like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley, have put forward three options for upgrading the historic stadium. These options range from a small makeover project to a complete redevelopment of the ground. The estimated cost for a new stadium is around £2 billion, while a redevelopment could cost approximately £800 million and take up to eight years to complete.
Populous aims to create a stadium that balances tradition, atmosphere, and comfort for fans. The proposed design includes screens that illuminate the surrounding streets, enhancing the overall experience for spectators. With their track record of successful stadium designs, Populous is well-equipped to transform Old Trafford into a modern and iconic venue.
In conclusion, the recent chaos caused by the thunderstorm at Old Trafford has brought attention to the ongoing issues with the stadium’s leaky roof. This incident has sparked discussions about the possibility of building a new stadium or upgrading the existing one. While a new stadium would be costly, plans put forward by architectural design company Populous offer viable options for improving Old Trafford and creating a state-of-the-art venue. With the involvement of Ineos and the support of influential figures like Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there is hope for a brighter future for Manchester United’s home ground.