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Manchester United Acknowledge Stadium Struggles
Following a recent 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Manchester United officials have acknowledged that Old Trafford faced challenges in coping with what has been described as unprecedented rainfall. Sources close to the matter revealed to ESPN that this incident further underscores the necessity of stadium development, a priority for new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Issues Arise After Rainfall
Reports indicate that 41mm of rain fell in the two hours post the match, leading to visible concerns within the stadium. Videos shared on social media showcased water leaks from the roof, particularly between the East Stand and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. Spectators witnessed water streaming underneath seats, trickling down executive box windows, and forming puddles on the pitch.
Stadium Safety and Future Plans
Despite these challenges, all attendees of the Arsenal match were able to exit the premises safely. However, the incident has underscored the urgent need for United to address stadium infrastructure inadequacies. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, present at the game, has expressed a preference for constructing a new stadium near the existing Old Trafford location. Discussions have also explored the possibility of renovating the current facility.
In a proactive move, United established a taskforce in March to spearhead the stadium development initiative. The group, led by Lord Sebastian Coe and featuring prominent figures like Andy Burnham, Sara Todd, and Gary Neville, aims to guide the project towards successful fruition. Prior to the Arsenal match, Ratcliffe engaged in discussions with Burnham, Coe, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, emphasizing the commitment to advancing stadium modernization efforts.
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