Manchester United have been making changes on the pitch and in the backroom but another major priority has been looming large throughout Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s time in charge
The Old Trafford waterfall could soon be a thing of the past, with Manchester United’s owners ready to deal with the lingering problem. Long time owners the Glazer family have appeared to make the issue a low priority, but it has been claimed that things will now change with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in charge.
Not that Ratcliffe himself has acted immediately. The British billionaire’s investment was announced midway through the 2023/24 season, and a new stadium was discussed as a target for the club before more recent conversations around redeveloping the current site
For now UEFA rules could force the owner to act, according to the Sun. Work on improving the Old Trafford drainage system is one of a number of proposed changes as United chase a return to European competition, with a pitch renovation and improvement to both dugouts also on the cards.
In May 2024, it had emerged that United were delaying direct work on the roof until after a decision had been made on the future of Old Trafford. Heavy rain and stormy conditions during a match against Arsenal earlier that month had left areas flooded, with the club indicating at the time that the stadium’s siphonic roof drainage system overflowed, causing the waterfall-like conditions.
It wasn’t the first time the club had dealt with such a scenario at their famous stadium. Ahead of a Manchester derby in 2019, water was seen pouring from the roof onto the seats after a thunderstorm in the vicinity.
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Earlier in the same year, Ratcliffe spoke about the argument for refurbishing United’s home. “The two most talked-about issues at Manchester United are number one, the football, the performance on the pitch and the second one is the stadium,” he said. “What we can see so far is a really good case to refurbish Old Trafford, probably about £1billion in cost.”
Ruben Amorim’s side aren’t in any European competition this term, having lost last season’s Europa League final while finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. This time next year, though, things could be very different.
One of United’s potential routes into Europe has gone thanks to a shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town. They could still secure a European spot through their league position, though, while they will kick off their FA Cup campaign in January with the goal of reclaiming the title they won in 2024.
Amorim and his players missed the chance to spend Christmas Day in the top five after losing to Aston Villa on Sunday. They are still well-positioned in seventh, though, just three points shy of the Champions League spots.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
