Image Credits: SKY SPORTS OVERLAP
Paul Scholes has criticised Manchester United by suggesting the club is now “begging a little” financially.
This comes despite historically being regarded as one of the richest in football.
United announced plans last week for a £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to lead the project to modernise the club’s infrastructure.
However, the timing of the announcement comes when United are struggling in 13th place in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim.
Paul Scholes expresses concerns over stadium plans
Paul Scholes has voiced doubts over whether the stadium plans will come to fruition.
He has cautioned fans against blind optimism.
“You can be gullible at times and believe what he [Ratcliffe] says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before,” Scholes said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.
“You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.
“Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone.”
“For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little bit.
“Coming out and asking for the stadium and that we need £2 billion, and selling players to buy players.”
United plan to finance the stadium’s construction and its direct benefits.
However, they are relying on public funding for surrounding infrastructure improvements.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed these plans, adding further weight to the club’s vision of regenerating the Old Trafford area.
Since Ratcliffe took charge just over a year ago, United have undergone financial cutbacks as part of a broader effort to stabilise their finances.
One major point of contention among supporters has been ticket pricing.
The club announced further price hikes for the 2025-26 season.
Season-ticket prices will rise by around £2.50 per game.
United claim it reflects inflation and increasing operational costs that they can no longer absorb.
The new pricing structure sees adult season-ticket costs ranging from £608 to £1,121.
While youth and senior tickets remain lower, with a 25% discount applied to all OAPs.
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Another controversial change is the introduction of a £10 fee for fans reselling tickets to the club less than two weeks before a match.
Parking charges have also risen by 15%, adding to the frustration among match-going supporters.
United CEO Omar Berrada acknowledged fan concerns.
However, he defended the club’s decision to implement a pricing increase for the third straight year.
“After 11 consecutive years of price freezes, we increased prices by 5% for the past two seasons.
“We intend to do the same for next season,” Berrada explained.
“We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, even so during a period of underperformance on the pitch.
“Especially having listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB (Fans’ Advisory Board) in favour of a freeze.”
“However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged.
“Especially while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues.”
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Source: Centred Devils
