Imagine why Ratcliffe is so fanatical about this project. It's clear that he's not only a devoted romantic in the sporting arena, but also a patron with an eye on the region's greatest good. Recently, he spoke fondly to the BBC about Trafford Park's unique position as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the coal and cotton it brought to the city along the Manchester Ship Canal. The richest man in Britain has amassed a fortune of up to £30 billion through oil and chemical production. He considers himself a witness to history and is intent on capitalizing on Manchester's 21st century soccer glory.
However, this statement has also sparked a new debate. One mystery yet to be solved is how much money Ratcliffe will invest in the vision and how far the government is willing to cooperate. He was vague about the need for a "conversation" with the government on the matter. But is this really necessary? Ratcliffe is perfectly capable of self-funding. He is also a multinational tax avoider - in 2020, he officially moves his tax residence from Hampshire to Monaco, which is expected to save around £4 billion in tax. It was against this background that I heard about his proposal.
This was undoubtedly a shrewd negotiating maneuver by Ratcliffe, designed to see if the government would act. On the face of it, this doesn't seem like a good start. After all, before Manchester taxpayers invested in a stadium, the city council had paid £33m for a venue fit for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and more than 20 years on, despite City winning the title, they are still only renting the Etihad Stadium from the council. In contrast, United will enjoy full control of whatever size stadium Ratcliffe decide to build.
Nonetheless, Ratcliffe's masterplan is to be commended. In light of the government's recent decision to redirect funding from High Speed 2 to the rehabilitation of London's roads, his discussion of a "Wembley of the North" seems somewhat hollow. He pointed out bluntly that fans in the North have to drag their heavy feet to and from Wembley Stadium every time Manchester United reach an FA Cup semi-final. Despite United's unrivaled reputation, their region is still neglected by the country.
However, Ratcliffe had insight into all of this before United's 27.7% stake was approved by the Premier League. As a proud United fan, a former resident of Fishworth, Manchester, he was well aware of the history of lack of investment in the North and the decline of Old Trafford. For him, restoring prosperity to the area would be a worthy cause for government funding, as would his acquisition of a stake in United. If he wants to create a wonderful environment for United that will allow the club to carry on its legacy and put the North at the heart of English soccer's influence, then he deserves everyone's support too.
England women's national team manager Sarina Wigman said her team was "very much looking forward" to playing at the new stadium in Manchester and spoke positively of Sir Ratcliffe's efforts to build a "Wembley of the North".
Speaking in Marbella ahead of Thursday's friendly against Austria, Wigman said, "Wembley is so special to us, it's our home and we've got great memories there. We do play a lot of games elsewhere but I really love our home and it's really nice to be able to connect with fans from the north and the south so when they get a chance to come and see us play we can connect with them."
"However, it would obviously be better to have another big stadium in and around Manchester and we really want to play there. At the same time, Wembley remains a special presence for us."
Bayern and England midfielder Georgia Stanway echoed Wiegmann's comments, adding, "Wembley is our home and we have many fond memories there. However, it would be great if we could build another stadium further north."
Stanway, who is from Cumbria, added: "I think my parents will be excited about the plans as it will shorten their journey considerably! But we're happy to play in any stadium. We really enjoy traveling around the country and going to different places to play. For me, Wembley and Brighton have impressed us. So I'd love to make more memories at other stadiums if I'm allowed to."
On Friday, the England women's soccer team will play a friendly against Austria at a neutral venue in southern Spain. They will turn their attention to the Women's Euro 2025 qualifiers, which begin in April.
