Manchester United considering naming rights sale for Old Trafford | OneFootball

As reported by Adam Crafton of The Athletic, Manchester United are considering selling naming rights for Old Trafford.

A naming rights deal will either be struck for a refurbished Old Trafford, or a potential newly-built stadium, amid plans from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ‘drive up’ revenue to fund the possible multi-billion pound stadium project.

It’s said that Ratcliffe has also considered ‘substantial’ increases to ticket prices, whilst the club have also discussed a series funding options during exploratory talks with major financial institutions, such as Bank of America.

Stadium naming rights both in England and worldwide are widely deployed, however this possible deal would mark a stark change for The Red Devils, with their ground always being known as Old Trafford since its inception 114 years ago.

Though, this may not be the only option, as Crafton states a refurbished ground could see the side adopt an associated stadium partner, much like Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou, or Wembley Stadium, which earns a reported £10m from EE via a connection with the British network provider.

As for a rise in ticket prices, this would see United make another price hike having already increased them by five percent for the 2023/24 season, which followed a different five percent hike a season earlier. This followed 11 years of frozen prices under the Glazer’s full ownership.

Finally, the news comes as part of INEOS founder Ratcliffe’s mass restructuring of England’s record champions, both on and off the field.

Amid underwhelming performances and tighter FFP restrictions from both UEFA and the Premier League, the INEOS founder is looking to increase United’s revenues, invest in the playing squad, and improve infrastructure – the latter of which Ratcliffe states is the second priority only behind the team’s on-field performance.

Off the pitch, this has already seen the likes of Jason Wilcox arrive from Southampton as technical director, former Manchester City executive Omar Berrada join as CEO, whilst Dan Ashworth is also expected to join as sporting director from Newcastle United, once a deal between the two sides is reached.

Meanwhile, following an internal review into their managerial situation led by Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, United have decided to keep head coach Erik ten Hag for the following season.

The Dutchman is now set to sign a new contract with the club, having just completed a season in which they recorded a record-low eighth place finish in the Premier League, but also secured an FA Cup victory in a Manchester derby against City.

Travis Levison | Get Football