The legendary Old Trafford stadium faces the possibility of a massive renovation project should the Qatari group buy the club.

The club’s current owners, the Glazer Family, are prepared to sell the storied club at the asking price of $7.3 billion.

The Glazers bought the club for nearly $1 billion back in 2003. But an absence of trophies in recent years has made the owners a lightning rod of criticism and compelled them to sell.

The Emir of , Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has entered the race to acquire United for a reduced asking price. Tamim only wants to pay $5.4 billion, but recent reports suggest that he’ll make a $6 billion opening bid by Friday’s “soft deadline.”

Tamim already owns Paris Saint-Germain through Qatar Sports Investment, complicating any potential takeover. UEFA restricts owning two clubs that compete in Champions League football which PSG and Man United regularly participate.

The Qatari group could skirt the block by bidding from a separate group of investors. Tamim is the chairman of QIB, one of Qatar’s biggest banks.

This hurdle presents an opportunity for Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He expressed interest in buying the club last August, even when Elon Musk jokingly entered the fray.

It’s worth noting that Qatari investors are also eyeing a bid for a full takeover or a minority stake in 2019 Champions League winners Liverpool FC.

Various -based groups, including the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle, are also looking to hijack any United deal at the last minute.

Rebuilding Old Trafford could cost billions

In recent months, the emir’s close advisors have already encouraged him to invest in the areas around Old Trafford.

The potential cost of rebuilding Old Trafford could be at least $2.4 billion. That would include upgrading the stadium and training grounds, which was a significant concern for .

United’s legendary striker called out Man United’s antiquated facilities in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan right before the player’s departure last November.

The Qatari group potentially taking over the Red Devils presents an opportunity to inject much-needed funds into Old Trafford and the team. The Qatari owners promise Erik ten Hag’s side an enormous boost, with , Frenkie De Jong, and Jude Bellingham all linked on the transfer shortlist.

All in all, the takeover could revive the iconic “The Theatre of Dreams” and help restore the club to its former Premier League and Champions League glory.

About Old Trafford

Old Trafford stadium (1910) is the home of Manchester United Football Club and is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

With a seating capacity of 80,000, Old Trafford is known for its incredible atmosphere, particularly in the Stretford End, where fans’ passionate support creates a deafening roar.

The stadium has a rich history, becoming one of the first football stadiums in the world to feature a United museum and trophy room. From the iconic red seats to the statue of Sir Matt Busby in front of the ground, Old Trafford is genuinely one of the best venues in Europe.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Steve Collis