Torrential rain caused the infamous Old Trafford roof to leak, while other parts of the stadium flooded after Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal.
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, with the storm showing no signs of stopping so much so that a barrage of water was seen pouring down from the roof in one corner of the East Stand under the dark Manchester sky.
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.
Pipes located near the Old Trafford tunnel had rainwater pouring out of them and onto the floor.
It could be seen trickling down the sloped entrance out onto the pitch and building up at the opening into a large puddle.
Back in the East Stand, a stream of water was falling onto some of the seats and down the steps of the stand.
The pitch appeared was later seen covered with large puddles on the surface.
The conditions certainly further highlight the work that is desperately needed at Old Trafford, the club’s home for 114 years.
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.
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.
News Summary:
- Leaks and flooding of parts of Old Trafford as Manchester United issues laid bare in defeat
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