New Name for Old Trafford – Will iconic stadium be renamed?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a Manchester United supporter and potential new owner of the club, has made it clear that he will not entertain the idea of renaming Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe, who is competing against Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani for ownership, outlined his plans for the club without considering a name change, which he referred to as “heresy.”

The 70-year-old billionaire, leading the bidding through his company INEOS, expressed his desire to bring about key changes at Old Trafford but emphasized that the iconic name would remain unchanged.

“I hadn’t thought of that, but no,” said Ratcliffe, the recently named UK’s second richest person. “That would be heresy. I would not change it. It’s always Old Trafford.”

The issue of renaming Old Trafford had surfaced in the past, with former United captain Gary Neville suggesting the possibility eight years after the club stated they had no intentions of selling the naming rights.

Neville proposed selling the naming rights for a substantial sum, which would then be used to subsidize ticket prices, particularly for young people.

However, Ratcliffe firmly opposes such a move, reaffirming his commitment to preserving the historical identity of Old Trafford.

While Ratcliffe aims to implement changes at Old Trafford if his bid is successful, renaming the stadium for additional revenue is not part of his plans.

Old Trafford’s status as an iconic and cherished venue will remain intact, echoing the sentiment of countless United fans who have a deep-rooted connection to the hallowed grounds.