Outdated Trafford ‘struggled to manage’ with rainfall – Man Utd chiefs

Manchester United chiefs have accepted that Outdated Trafford “struggled to manage” with what has been described as unprecedented rainfall following the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with sources telling ESPN it’s additional proof of why new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is so eager to develop the stadium.

United have stated that 41mm of rain fell within the two hours following the ultimate whistle with movies posted on social media displaying a big waterfall coming from a leak within the roof between the East Stand and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

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There are additionally photographs of water cascading beneath seats and operating down the home windows of govt bins, in addition to massive puddles forming on the pitch.

Sources have advised ESPN that every one supporters who attended Arsenal’s win — which ensured their Premier League title race with Manchester Metropolis will go right down to the ultimate day of the season — have been capable of depart the stadium safely. However there may be an acceptance that the problems additional spotlight the necessity for United to have an improved stadium.

Ratcliffe was on the sport on Sunday to see the issues first hand. The 71-year-old British billionaire, who acquired a 27.7% stake within the membership in February, would like to construct a brand new stadium on land near Outdated Trafford, though discussions have additionally taken place about redeveloping the prevailing facility.

United introduced in March {that a} taskforce has been set as much as spearhead the challenge. It is being led by Lord Sebastian Coe, former chair of the organising committee for the 2012 London Olympics, and likewise contains Andy Burnham, Mayor of Better Manchester, Sara Todd, Chief Govt of Trafford Council, and former United captain Gary Neville.

Earlier than kick-off towards Arsenal, Ratcliffe held talks with Burnham, Coe and Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer.