UNITED WILL CONSIDER SELLING NAMING RIGHTS TO OLD TRAFFORD

UNITED will consider selling naming rights to Old Trafford to help fund a new stadium or significant redevelopment, but they will keep the iconic name in some form if a deal does go ahead.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Ineos are considering a range of options to raise finance for work at the stadium, while a working group to look into the feasibility of building a new ground prepares to report towards the end of this year.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire is to build a new stadium on the existing Old Trafford footprint but such a project would likely cost in excess of £2bn.

That has led Ineos to consider finance through bank loans, selling naming rights for the stadium or raising ticket prices.

Club sources insist all avenues are being considered at the moment but no firm decisions have been made.

United and Ineos are aware that such issues around the stadium could be contentious and discussion and consultation will take place.