Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'wanted Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to help fund Man Utd's £2bn Wembley of the North stadium plans'

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE considered Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos as investors for Manchester United's stadium plans, according to reports.

The Red Devils' co-owner has made clear his desire to build a "Wembley of the North" for the Premier League giants.

3 Sir Jim Ratcliffe has explored ways of financing Man Utd's new stadium Credit: Getty

3 Ratcliffe hoped to get billionaire Elon Musk on board Credit: Reuters

There is also the option of keeping Old Trafford and pushing ahead with substantial renovations - with the tired stadium plagued by a leaky roof and an infestation of mice, among other issues.

It is understood both plans would cost in the region of £2billion - double what Tottenham splashed on their new home.

And The Athletic are reporting Ratcliffe thought about turning to high-profile business tycoons Musk and Bezos to finance the project.

It is said the Man Utd chief considered approaching the pair worth a combined £583bn.

However, it is "unclear" how seriously Musk and Bezos were considered as potential investors.

Other ways of raising funds for the project have included the recent rise in ticket prices, as well as selling naming rights for the new ground.

Ratcliffe and Ineos have been criticised since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.

They have overseen the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, just months after offering him a new contract.

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Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground

3 Jeff Bezos was also cited as a potential investor Credit: Getty

Sporting director Dan Ashworth also recently departed following a brief five-month stint.

And new head coach Ruben Amorim is already struggling having lost four of his last six games in charge.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd's 'Wembley of the North' could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old Trafford

Other controversial Ratcliffe decisions include letting 250 employees go, stopping paying Sir Alex Ferguson's £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelling the Christmas party, and axing company credit cards and private chauffeurs.

He has also gotten rid of staff lunches, accommodation, extra tickets and post-match parties.

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