MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left divided after realising Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to sell the naming rights for their new stadium.
The Red Devils outlined fresh plans on Thursday to move to a different location than first intended.
Manchester United are planning to move into a new 100,000-seater stadium Credit: AFP
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is open to selling the naming rights Credit: Getty
United were originally looking to build the new 100,000-seater stadium on the existing footprint that Old Trafford sits on.
But the Premier League giants acquired a triangle of land between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way 350 metres to the north-east of their 116-year-old home.
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And United co-owner Ratcliffe, 73, and other influential figures are open to landing a money-spinning naming rights deal after preparing to incur more debt to build the £2billion arena.
But Red Devils fans who raced onto social media are torn over plans to have a big-name company sponsoring their new home.
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One said: “Calling it anything other than Old Trafford is going to feel so wrong.
“Fans can accept change, but some names carry decades of memories that money can’t replace.”
Another added: “Don’t want a new stadium and definitely do not want it being renamed.”
A third chimed in: “At least call it New Trafford. Don’t give it a sponsor’s name.”
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Plans have been made to leave Old Trafford before the 2035 Women’s World Cup Credit: Getty
But a supporter on the other side of the fence claimed: “If this helps bring in world-class players and gets United competing for trophies again, plenty of fans will eventually make peace with it.”
Another insisted: “Can sell naming rights to a brand new stadium without p***ing people off renaming Old Trafford.”
United, who are edging towards sealing the £50million arrival of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, want to have their new stadium open before the 2035 Women’s World Cup at the very latest.
The Red Devils and Trafford Council held a grand unveiling for the Trafford Wharfside project on Thursday.
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It is estimated that the regeneration of the area will create 48,000 local jobs and 15,000 new homes, adding a whopping £7.3billion boost to the UK economy every year.
But the infamous ‘circus tent’ canopy hanging over the stadium could still be ditched as fans are set to be consulted on the design process.
