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The Manc - 9th April 2020

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Paul Merson slams ‘pathetic’ plans for Manchester United’s new stadium

Danny Jones Paul Merson calls Manchester United's new stadium pathetic

Ex-footballer and pundit Paul Merson has branded the recently revealed plans for Manchester United’s new stadium as “pathetic” in a recent interview.

The former Arsenal and Aston Villa turned manager, commentator and TV personality spoke to Sky Sports this week after the CGIs for what some supporters are already dubbing ‘New Trafford’ were shown to the world on Tuesday.

Now, while it’s fair to say the designs have been pretty divisive, for Merson it’s still a headscratcher as to why United supporters want to leave such a historic ground and one that is still the second-largest football stadium in the country for something new and so different.

The 56-year-old didn’t hold back when giving his opinion on the matter, insisting, “If I was a Man United fan I’d be fuming.”

"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

As you can see, ‘Merse’ begins by saying he has “no interest at all”, adding that he thinks “It’s pathetic […] they’ve got one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League” and therefore aren’t necessarily crying out for more seats, nor an entirely new sporting arena.

It’s worth noting that Old Trafford’s capacity hasn’t necessarily been the issue or priority in recent years: dated facilities, lack of technology such as screens for VAR and the infamous leaking roof, which has been taken into account by architects Foster + Partners.

“Why would you need a new stadium?”, he asks, before going on to suggest that they “need new players” instead and should be more worried about the team and finishing in the top six, “let alone Champions League.”

It’s no secret that the Red Devils’ steady slump out of the premier European competition has cost them significantly in recent years, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delivering some alarming revelations about the state of the club’s finances in an interview with Gary Neville prior to the stadium reveal.

Merson summarises his opinion by saying, “I can’t believe what I’ve been seeing over the last couple of days – I’m flabbergasted.” Meanwhile, many people are chiefly concerned with how the stadium is going to be paid for, despite Mayor Andy Burnham’s reassurance that “no public money” will be used.

‘New Trafford’ is set to cost £2 billion and could be completed within five years.

Merson might have very strong opinions on Man United building a new stadium, to begin with, but what we’ve really enjoyed is seeing people’s reactions to the admittedly striking design.

The 100,000-seater venue will be the biggest in the UK, with its main features including a giant tent-like eco-friendly weather-shielding roof as well as three tall spires to mirror both the trident on the club’s badge and carry over the historic ‘Trinity’ theme.

However, not everyone can agree on whether it’s a masterpiece or an eye-sore…

We went out On The Street in Manchester to see what people made of it:

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Featured Images — Sky Sports/Foster + Partners

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Two teen boys arrested in connection with South Manchester machete ‘incidents’

Emily Sergeant

Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a series of machete ‘incidents.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, following early-morning warrants in South Manchester yesterday (Wednesday 12 March), officers successfully secured the arrests of two teenage boys in relation to incidents which involved machetes.

The two boys, who are aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of wounding, and they remain in police custody for questioning at this time.

Police conducted the warrants in the South Manchester area after investigating a number of incidents involving teenagers armed with machetes and zombie knives being involved in violent disorder across the wider borough.

Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported in relation to these incidents, and police investigations remain ongoing.

“Our team has been investigating a series of machete incidents in South Manchester over the last four months,” Detective Inspector John Robb, of GMP’s City of Manchester South district, explained following the double arrest.

“These arrests are an excellent result, but our work does not stop there.

“We will continue our efforts to investigate these crimes and bring those responsible to justice. Extra patrols will be in place across South Manchester, so if you see any of our officers, please feel free to speak to them as they are there to help.”

Anyone with any suspicions of criminality in Greater Manchester can contact GMP on 101, or alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons