Rohan Sengupta
Manchester United could delay their Old Trafford revamp to give manager Jose Mourinho the funds to spend in summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Red Devils had plans to increase the stadium capacity from the current 75,000 number to improve the atmosphere in the stands, which has seen a dip in the past couple of years as far as Mourinho is concerned.
The United manager claimed that Old Trafford was a ‘quiet stadium’ after the 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town last month. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) called on the club recently to change the seating plan in order to create a rasping environment at Old Trafford, as per the Daily Mail.
As far as hospitality is concerned, United have clearly fallen behind their rivals who have found success after expanding their homes or moving to new homes.
“It’s accepted that when it comes to corporate hospitality, City are streets ahead,” an industry insider told the Daily Mail.
“United still have the big pull, because of the prestige and history of the club, (but) City’s Tunnel Club is 10 years ahead of anything they have at Old Trafford.
“It’s not that United’s offering is not good, because it is. However, there is no wow factor. You’re talking good at United, but out-of-this-world at City.”
But now the report suggests plans regarding increasing the capacity of the stadium and bolstering corporate hospitality could take a back seat as the club’s priority is to hand Mourinho the funds to spend in the summer in order to improve his squad.
The Portuguese won two trophies in his debut season, guiding United back into the Champions League. This year, he has led the club to second place in the Premier League, behind cross-town rivals Manchester City.
Mourinho was unsatisfied with the squad at his disposal despite having spent £300million since arriving in May 2016. However, the board understood our manager’s plight and gave the green signal to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal last month.
While Sanchez is yet to find his feet at Old Trafford, the Chilean is expected to be a hit and could bring back the glory days to the club.
While our gaffer feels the attack has been completed with the addition of Sanchez, he wants to spend money to solidify our midfield in the summer, with veteran star Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
It is a good decision taken by our board to put the Old Trafford revamp on hold and provide Mourinho with the funds to spend in the summer.
