Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, has once again come under scrutiny after a dead rat was spotted under a seat during the club’s Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt on November 29. Despite the thrilling 3-2 victory for the Red Devils, this disturbing incident has highlighted ongoing issues with the stadium’s maintenance.
The image, posted on social media by fan Connor Lomas, showed a waterlogged floor beneath a seat with a dead rat in clear view. Lomas humorously captioned the photo: “Manchester United will let anyone into Old Trafford for £66, even dead animals.” The post quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), amassing over 300,000 views and sparking widespread debate about the stadium’s condition.
This incident comes on the heels of mounting fan criticism after Manchester United announced ticket price increases, with membership prices starting at £66 regardless of age. Many fans have expressed frustration, arguing that such steep costs are unjustifiable given the deteriorating state of the stadium.
A club representative confirmed the authenticity of the image and emphasized that United conducts regular pest control checks and implements preventive measures. However, they acknowledged that the stadium’s proximity to a railway line and canal, coupled with cold weather, could attract rodents. The problem was compounded during the match when another rat was reportedly seen running on the pitch.
Stadium Dilemma
The state of Old Trafford has been a hot topic since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over Manchester United’s sporting operations. Discussions have intensified regarding whether the club should renovate the historic stadium or build a brand-new venue.
A recent survey of 50,000 fans revealed divided opinions: 52% favored constructing a new stadium, 31% preferred renovating Old Trafford, and 17% had no preference. Any decision, expected by early 2025, could cost up to £2 billion.
The current condition of Old Trafford has raised serious concerns. Last season, the stadium’s leaky roof caused significant embarrassment during a match against Arsenal, with heavy rain flooding parts of the stands and backstage areas. A gaping hole in the roof even allowed water to pour directly onto the pitch near the corner flag.
As Manchester United navigates these challenges, the iconic venue that has hosted countless historic moments faces an uncertain future, with its glory days seeming increasingly distant. Fans are left hoping for swift action to restore Old Trafford’s reputation and infrastructure.
