Manchester United chiefs accept Old Trafford ‘struggled’ with unprecedented rainfall

Manchester United chiefs accept that Old Trafford “struggled to cope” with the unprecedented shower of rain following the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

According to ESPN, sources at United explained it is further evidence of why new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is so keen to develop the stadium. That tells us that he has identified the need for an improved stadium.

Ratcliffe arrived at Old Trafford five hours prior to kick-off, along with Sir Dave Brailsford, to carry out a survey on matchdays. He was seen speaking to Old Trafford staff as they prepared to host Arsenal in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Avram Glazer was at Wembley to watch the Manchester United Women lift the FA Cup after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur.

The club claim that 41mm of rain fell in the two hours following the game with fans uploading videos on social media showing the rain come through a leak in the roof.

Fans in the East Stand and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand left the stadium wet as a result.

It was announced in March that a task force has been set up to help with redeveloping the existing facility, led by Lord Sebastian Coe, former chair of the organising committee for the 2012 London Olympics.

However, it is understood that Ratcliffe wishes to build a new stadium on land close to Old Trafford, although there is also an opportunity to redevelop the existing stadium.

Ratcliffe was joined at the match by Andy Burnham, Coe and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.