Paul Merson says Manchester United’s plans for a new stadium are “pathetic” and says the money would be better spent on signing new players.
The Red Devils have announced plans to move away from Old Trafford, their home since 1910, in favour of moving to a new state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium being described as the “Wembley of the North”.
United’s hierarchy, led by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, says it will have a transformative impact to the area and will be the largest stadium in the UK should it go ahead.
But former Arsenal player and pundit Merson believes United already boast one of the best stadiums in the country in the 74,000-capacity Old Trafford and says the club should focus more on issues on the pitch.
Ruben Amorim’s side are currently 14th in the Premier League and are on course for their worst ever season.
"I think it's pathetic…if I'm a Man United fan, I'll be fuming"
Paul Merson shares his honest opinion on Manchester United's new stadium plans 😨 pic.twitter.com/A74xeKwkpG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2025
“You know? What? [I’ve got] No interest at all. I think it’s pathetic. If I’m a Man United fan, I’d be fuming.
“They’re at Old Trafford, one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League. I can understand if it’s Chelsea and Chelsea go, oh, we want to move stadium, because Chelsea get around 38,000 so they need to get a bigger stadium to keep on living with the big boys.
“But when is Man United and they already 70 odd thousand, more than anybody else, why would you need a new stadium? You need new players, they need a team, and this is what I can’t work out.
“I heard Jim Radcliffe saying England will be able to play there, don’t worry about England. Don’t worry about the national team. Worry about Man United. Worry about getting them into the top six, let alone the Champions League.
“I just can’t believe what I’ve been seeing over the last couple of days. I’m flabbergasted.”
