{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}}
Kieran Maguire: Man United could land record-breaking '£180m' cash boost from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Man United could grow their matchday revenue to £180million per year if Sir Jim Ratcliffe invests in a new stadium.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the financial benefits of moving away from Old Trafford.
Following the withdrawal of Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim from the Red Devils’ bidding process, Ratcliffe is now the favourite to complete a deal with the Glazers.
The British billionaire is set to acquire an initial 25 percent stake in the Manchester club but be granted decision-making power at Old Trafford.
Stadium renovation will be high on Ratcliffe’s priority list once the takeover is complete, and The Mirror report that he is planning to expand capacity to 90,000.
United’s matchday revenue in their latest 2021/22 accounts was £111million – the highest in the Premier League.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
But Maguire believes that figure is set to grow to record-breaking numbers if Ratcliffe follows through with his stadium plans.
“If Man United built a new 90,000-capacity stadium, then there’s no reason why they could not increase their matchday revenue by at least 50 percent,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“They earn around £110million a season currently, so we would be looking at £170 to £180million in a new ground.
“The reason why I’d say that is because if you take a look at the prices that Spurs have charged their fans, there’s been a significant increase from White Hart Lane to their new venue.
“What I think we would also see with regards to Manchester United in an expanded 90,000 seater stadium is that hardly any of that increase in capacity would go to season ticket holders because they don’t generate enough money.
“Instead, the focus would be very much on corporate hospitality and day-trippers who are prepared to pay much more for individual match tickets.
“They are far more likely to spend money on merchandise and catering programmes.
“So £180 million is certainly feasible.“
In other news, Man United deals to sign two top January targets face collapse