Scholes accuses Ratcliffe of ‘begging’ for money ahead of Manchester United’s new stadium plans

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has criticised Sir Jim Ratcliffe for seeking external funding to finance the construction of a new stadium for the club.

United executives recently announced ambitious plans to tear down Old Trafford and replace it with a modern stadium, which will cost around £2billion.

Co-owner Ratcliffe has described the proposed venue as one of the best in the world.

However, Ratcliffe has yet to disclose how the project will be funded, with reports suggesting he is relying on private investment and potential government assistance.

Scholes, a club icon, is unconvinced by Ratcliffe’s intentions, suggesting that words alone are not enough.

Speaking on Sky Bet’s ‘The Overlap Fan Debate,’ Scholes said: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he (Ratcliffe) says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before.

“Words are cheap aren’t they…” 🤷‍♂️

Scholsey has his say on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s big Man Utd talk. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FSWTIrxNHV

— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) March 18, 2025

“You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air. Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.

“For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”

Ratcliffe, who has been leading the initiative for a new 100,000-seater arena, defended the decision to move away from the Theatre of Dreams and insisted there is a need for an upgrade.

Discussing the club’s vision for the future, he said: “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”

The proposal has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some supporting the idea of a world-class stadium, while others remain concerned about financial sustainability and potential disruptions during the transition period.