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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly thought of approaching American billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to assist fund the constructing of a brand new Outdated Trafford.
A defining side of Ratcliffe’s bid to accumulate a stake in United – and one that is still outstanding throughout his tenure – is his formidable “Wembley of the North” venture.
Ratcliffe is considered eager on the development of a model new stadium amidst the present dilapidated state of Outdated Trafford.
A reconstruction venture is approximated to price round £2billion and one of many largest points that has been raised is how it will likely be financed.
In keeping with The Athletic, Ratcliffe floated the concept of getting funding from Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.
“Earlier than Ratcliffe purchased his United shares, he appeared to non-public finance and, in a single assembly, raised the prospect of Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos offering funds.”
“Sources say Ratcliffe felt both man may be tempted by the attraction of United, with each having the assets. Musk’s estimated web price topped $486bn in 2024, in line with the current Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with Amazon CEO Bezos estimated as having a $246bn fortune.”
“It’s unclear if these proposals gained any traction, nevertheless.”
The current hike in ticket costs, together with the potential for promoting naming rights for the stadium, had been explored as potential methods to fund a brand new stadium venture.
Ratcliffe has held talks with the federal government over the potential for utilizing public funding. Another choice may see Ratcliffe promote a part of his INEOS stake to lift capital.
The Athletic notice that Chief Working Officer Collette Roche is taken into account central to any plans concerning the stadium. She has grow to be an more and more influential determine on the membership, overseeing staffing, safety, and journey obligations.
United return to motion on Boxing Day once they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium.
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