Manchester United ask Gary Neville for advice about Old Trafford as Sir Jim Ratcliffe condemns club's culture

Manchester United ask Gary Neville for advice about Old Trafford as Sir Jim Ratcliffe condemns club's culture

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe asks for advice

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/02/2024

- 13:57

The Red Devils are a shadow of the team they used to be despite their recent upturn in form under Erik ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly asked Gary Neville to come on board and provide advice as Manchester United mull over the future of Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have played at the famous ground ever since 1910, establishing themselves as one of the biggest teams in world football ever since.


However, with Old Trafford in big need of modernising to compete with super stadiums played in by the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham, the historic arena is facing an uncertain future.

Some reports have suggested United could bulldoze their home and build a new one in its place, while others have claimed the Red Devils will only make necessary changes instead.

Manchester United Gary Neville Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly asked Gary Neville for advice about Old Trafford

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According to The Times, it seems as though United are going for the latter option.

It's claimed the club have asked former defender Neville to join a special committee to oversee the regeneration project.

Neville has a vast property development empire and owns Hotel Football and University Academy 92, which are both located next to United's home.

It's said Neville has had a series of meetings with the club's chief operating officer, Colette Roche.

Yet while the Red Devils icon is keen on the idea of working with Ratcliffe, he apparently doesn't want the job to clash with his broadcast work for Sky Sports.

Neville has been outspoken when it comes to United's Old Trafford.

He was particularly vocal in October when he said the stadium was 'falling down' after years of neglect from the Glazers.

Neville has never hid his disdain for the family, who have owned United ever since their takeover back in 2005.

The club initially won five Premier League titles in the eight years that followed under iconic boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

But many fans and former players have blamed the Glazers for United's decline over the past decade, with the club yet to win a league title since Ferguson's exit in 2013.

On Tuesday night, United confirmed Ratcliffe had completed his purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in the club.

Joel Glazer, who often keeps a low profile, broke rank to say he was looking forward to working with the British billionaire.

“I would like to welcome Sir Jim as co-owner and look forward to working closely with him and INEOS Sport to deliver a bright future for Manchester United," he said.

Ratcliffe, meanwhile, has criticised the culture of United - insisting it is 'not good' as he looks to bring back the glory days.

“We have to look at the organisation of the club, because it is not good at the moment,” he told Belgian newspaper De Tijd.

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Manchester United Old Trafford

Manchester United are mulling over changes to Old Trafford following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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“Take the head coach [Erik ten Hag] for example: he must report directly to the CEO.

"That is no longer possible in a modern football organisation.

“We then have to ensure that the right people end up in the right positions. Every person in management must be world class.

"And then it is important to create a positive, supportive, friendly and high-quality environment.

"That culture was missing before. Only in such an environment can you get the best out of sportsmen.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring the glory days back to Manchester United

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"If successful, the results will follow automatically. That’s the plan and I believe in it.”

United are next in Premier League action against Fulham on Saturday (3pm).

The Red Devils won the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage back in November, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a dramatic late winner.

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