Man United told staggering amount they could get for Old Trafford naming rights - but there's a catch

A general view of Old Trafford
-Credit: (Image: Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)


Manchester United have been told they could earn more than £50m per year if they were to sell the naming rights to Old Trafford.

Last week, The Athletic reported that one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS' next moves to maximise revenue through both existing and new streams could be to strike a different kind of partnership with another major business. Their name would be used and displayed across either a revamped Old Trafford or an entirely new arena, depending on that separate decision.

Now, if these claimed discussions were to in fact go anywhere, former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has predicted the substantial sum he believes United can take annually.

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"In theory, it could be worth £50million a year or more for Man United," he told Football Insider.

It is not an uncommon practice in football. Ashburton Grove is not a name many football fans will be familiar with, but its alternative name, the Emirates Stadium, might be. Across the city, there is, of course, the Etihad Stadium, Barcelona are in the process of redeveloping the Spotify Camp Nou, Bayern Munich have the Allianz Arena; Juventus have the Allianz Stadium - the list goes on and on.

But equally, there are a number of clubs that have tried and failed to agree to these partnerships over the high prices involved, which is why Borson adds a warning that such a venture could potentially lead to wasted time for Ratcliffe and Co.

"In reality, there are loads of people who are trying to sell naming rights. Spurs have been trying to sell naming rights for the new stadium for four years or even longer," he continued.

"That’s a brand-new stadium in central London with lots of alternative use and it would be a first-time sponsor. You would have thought that it would be very attractive, but they have not been able to get the amount they want.

"I think they are probably looking for about £50million a year over 10 years in a £500million deal. There are just not that many people who are in the market for a £500million naming rights deal."

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