Old Trafford, once a symbol of footballing success, is now facing significant decline, highlighted by a recent drop in food hygiene ratings following pest control issues. Long-standing rodent infestations and infrastructural problems, including a leaking roof, have marred the stadium’s reputation. Amidst Manchester United’s struggles in the Premier League, plans for potential renovations or a new stadium are being considered by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, aiming to restore the iconic venue to its former glory.
Old Trafford: A Crumbling Icon
Manchester City fans joyfully chanted “Old Trafford is falling down” after their team clinched a significant victory at the historic stadium last season. Unfortunately, this playful taunt is now a reality, as the home of English football’s record champions is literally showing signs of decay.
During a recent health inspection, mouse droppings were discovered in a hospitality box and a kiosk selling food to fans. This alarming find led to a sharp decline in the stadium’s food hygiene rating, dropping it to two stars out of five. The inspectors highlighted an urgent need for improvements.
A representative from Manchester United reassured fans that a rigorous pest control system is in place across Old Trafford. The club conducts multiple inspections each week to maintain the necessary levels of cleanliness.
Long-standing Pest Problems and Infrastructure Issues
The mouse issue is not a new phenomenon for the club. For over twenty years, Manchester United has been battling rodent infestations, with complaints dating back to 2006 from Burton Albion players about mice on the pitch after an FA Cup match. Reports from 2015 indicated the problem had spread to business areas as well, leading to criticism of the club’s inadequate response. The stadium’s location, adjacent to a canal and railway tracks, is often cited as a contributing factor to the ongoing rodent trouble.
The deteriorating state of Old Trafford is further emphasized by its leaking roof, which has led to water cascading onto spectators during matches. Just months ago, heavy rainfall caused a drainage overflow, drenching fans and even catching coach Rúben Amorim off guard during a press conference. Former captain Gary Neville lamented the stadium’s “rusty and decayed” appearance, describing the surrounding area as “unbuilt and abandoned.”
As Manchester United finds itself in 13th place in the Premier League, Amorim warned of the potential threat of relegation. The decline of the club is starkly represented by the crumbling infrastructure of Old Trafford, a venue that once stood as a beacon of footballing success.
Opened in 1910 and designed by architect Archibald Leitch, Old Trafford has a rich history, including being the site of the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of several players and officials. Its legacy also includes hosting numerous prestigious events, from World Cup matches to concerts by legendary artists.
However, the stadium’s aging facilities have left it behind in the modern era, as evidenced by the English Football Association’s decision not to use Old Trafford for the upcoming 2028 European Championship. Competitor stadiums, like that of Manchester City, have become more appealing venues for international events.
With a decline in comfort and marketing opportunities, Manchester United is potentially losing out on millions in revenue each season. In response, new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe is considering a range of options, including the renovation of the existing stadium or the construction of a new venue nearby. The club owns approximately one hundred hectares of land around Old Trafford, presenting various possibilities for redevelopment.
Ratcliffe envisions creating a “Wembley of the North” to rival the iconic London arena, with plans for a new stadium boasting a capacity of up to 100,000 spectators. While a new construction might cost around two billion, renovating the current stands could be achieved for about half that amount. Regardless of the approach, any significant changes are unlikely to be completed before the decade’s end, with a decision on this major project anticipated by summer.
Manchester City’s successful infrastructure transformation serves as a potential model for United. The east Manchester club has effectively connected its stadium with a new training ground through a pedestrian bridge. Fans of Manchester United are eager for improvement, with Gary Neville expressing a desire for a vibrant and hopeful environment surrounding the stadium. His vision is that Old Trafford will rise again, restored to its former glory, and that it will inspire awe in visitors once more.