- Sir Jim Ratcliffe celebrated one year at Manchester United
- Its first 12 months have seen a change of management and a record poor start.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe considered approaching Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to help fund his ‘Wembley of the North’ project, according to a recent report.
Since buying a minority stake in the Red Devils, Ratcliffe has overseen a managerial change and the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in its history.
One of the key issues that characterized his campaign to become part owner (and, indeed, one that has prevailed throughout his time there) was the stadium.
Old Trafford is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, but it is in a state of disrepair and is in need of repair and renovation.
The Ineos boss raised the prospect of a “Wembley of the North” but it is still unclear what it will look like and be financed.
The prospect of demolishing the land, rebuilding segments and preserving others as part of a museum were concepts that had been raised.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to become part owner of Man United was confirmed a year ago
Elon Musk, a prominent supporter of US President-elect Donald Trump, is worth £387.5bn.
Ratcliffe also considered an approach to Jeff Bezos: Amazon CEO is worth around £196.1 billion
However, arguably the biggest question of all revolved around how the rebuild would be financed, with the project likely to cost around £2bn – more than the £1bn Tottenham paid for their leading home in the industry.
Ratcliffe may be Britain’s richest man, but a report from The Athletic He has since revealed that he floated the idea of getting funding from Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.
According to the report, Ratcliffe felt that any of the world-famous billionaires could be tempted by the lure of United.
Finances would hardly be a problem for either of them; Tesla boss Musk’s net worth is believed to be around £387.5bn according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and Amazon’s Bezos is worth £196.1bn.
The Athletic, however, writes that it is “unclear” whether those proposals ever gained the necessary traction.
It was previously reported that the recent rise in ticket prices, as well as the option of selling the naming rights to the ground, had been considered to raise money for a new stadium project.
Those with knowledge of the situation have reportedly expressed doubts over whether majority ownership of Glazers would allow Ratcliffe to increase his own equity in the club by funding the project himself.
Additionally, current debt lenders have rights over whether United can actually borrow more money.
A mouse is shown on the Old Trafford pitch during their match against Bodo/Glimt in November.
It has also held talks with the government about the public financing option, while it also has the option of selling part of its stake in INEOS to raise capital.
Chief operating officer Collette Roche is believed to be key to any stadium-related plans, and is becoming an increasingly prominent figure at the club, having taken on staff, security and travel duties.
Ratcliffe, however, appears determined to build a new stadium and modernize the club’s infrastructure, especially at a time when Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium aims to become a key venue in the north.
Mail Sport exclusively reported that health inspectors discovered mouse droppings on a recent visit to Old Trafford before the club received a two-star hygiene rating.
There have also been notable images over the past 12 months of leaks in the Old Trafford roof, particularly after the home defeat to Arsenal last season.
Manager Ruben Amorim’s post-match press conference following the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth was also interrupted by water dripping from the ceiling.
