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Emily Sergeant - 30th March 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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Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright announce birth of baby girl with sweet picture

Daisy Jackson Michelle Keegan has announced the birth of her baby with husband Mark Wright. Credit: Instagram

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have welcomed their baby girl, the couple has announced.

Michelle, 37, and Mark, 38, shared an adorable photo with their tiny new arrival today.

In the post, they confirmed that their first child together arrived last week, on 6 March.

The black-and-white photo shows the tiny tot in a crochet outfit, with both Mark and Michelle holding her hand.

The Brassic star announced her pregnancy late last year, saying that 2025 would be ‘a special one for us’.

And now she’s confirmed that she and her TOWIE star husband have welcomed a daughter into the world.

They have named the baby girl Palma Elizabeth Wright.

In the post, Michelle wrote: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl.

“Palma Elizabeth Wright. 06.03.25”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Keegan (@michkeegan)

Stockport-born Michelle Keegan, who also starred in Coronation Street, has been flooded with well-wishes after sharing the news of the arrival of their baby.

The official Coronation Street account wrote: “Congratulations to you both. Love from everyone here at Corrie x”

In a comment directed at Mark, Joe Wicks said: “Ffs I’m crying over here. I know how much you’ve wanted to be a dad and you’ll be an amazing dad too. This is the most beautiful thing to see. So happy for you both.”

Featured image: Instagram, @michkeegan