Leaks and flooding of parts of Old Trafford as Man United issues laid bare (2024)

Old Trafford was as leaky as Manchester United's defence as a storm created a waterfall inside the ground on Sunday.

The heavens opened towards the end of the Premier League clash, which the Gunners won 1-0 thanks to Leandro Trossard's first-half goal.

Thunder boomed over United's iconic home as the match approached full time.

Water could be seen cascading down between the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and East Stand creating a waterfall.

Meanwhile, water was seen flowing down the steps of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, flooding a moat around the pitch.

Hail could also be seen falling, and video footage from talkSPORT's Alex Crook as well as other journalists in attendance show that water made its way inside the stadium.

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Things were no better in the Old Trafford tunnel as water was escaping from many places.

The conditions certainly further highlight the work that is desperately needed at Old Trafford, the club's home for 114 years.

Fans were also highlighting the neglect under the Glazers that has allowed the stadium to deteriorate into such a state.

Former Charlton, Crystal Palace and West Ham boss Alan Pardew told talkSPORT: "You have to point the finger here at the Glazers, they’ve definitely taken their eye off the ball on a number of issues.

“Bottom line with the financials, well done, you’ve taken all the money out. Good luck to you.

“Actually, what have you left behind? A club in a massive crisis and Jim Ratcliffe is going to have to pick up the pieces and he has a big job on his hands.”

Martin Keown joked to the BBC: “This roof is nearly as leaky as Manchester United’s defence."

Arsenal fans were chanting 'Old Trafford is falling down' as they stayed inside the stadium at the final whistle.

Fans were fuming on social media and pointing the finger at their long-time owners.

One wrote: "This is a direct result of the Glazer’s refusal to invest in Old Trafford."

Another said: "Old Trafford is one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world. After 20 years of negligence, this is what has happened. This roof ‘leak’ is just a small insight into all of the problems at the club.

New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pledged to spend an initial £237million on infrastructure at the 74,310 capacity ground.

However, regeneration plans could see them knock the stadium down, with Ratcliffe eyeing a £2billion 'Wembley of the North'.

Ratcliffe met with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday to discuss the redevelopment project.

The PA news agency reports that Starmer attended the game as a guest of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who is a member of the task force exploring options for how to revitalise United's home ground.

Burnham was also present at the talks ahead of kick-off along with Lord Coe, chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.

The task force, which also includes former United captain Gary Neville, met for the first time last month, with Ratcliffe looking to build a world-class stadium by either redeveloping Old Trafford or constructing a new ground on adjacent land owned by the Premier League club.

The stadium is the focal point of the project, which is looking to regenerate the wider Trafford Park area.

It is understood the discussions with Arsenal fan Starmer were part of ongoing engagement with political leaders on a local, regional and national level as options for the project are explored.

With redevelopment of the existing site costing in the region of £1billion and building a new stadium altogether requiring a £2billion outlay, the task force will also examine options for financing the project.

Sunday's weather did well to encapsulate the current feeling around United, who fell to their 14th league defeat of the season.

A response was needed following their dismal 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace but Erik ten Hag's side failed to provide it.

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With two league games against Newcastle and Brighton left to play, they could be set to miss out on European football next season.

United sit eighth and three points behind Chelsea, who have a better goal difference of +16.