SOCCER AID 2024 is set to be moved away from Old Trafford with Chelsea likely to host the event, according to reports.
The charity match has been held at Manchester United’s home on eight previous occasions.
But there are plans to renovate Old Trafford and the initial steps could take place at the end of the season.
Soccer Aid is set to take place on June 9 this year, but United want to use the summer months to address what work needs to take place at the stadium.
Addressing the issue of the leaky roof in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will likely be a priority, while there could also be renovation work on the pitch, according to the Daily Mail.
New investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to improve the club’s infrastructure which could involve refurbishing the Theatre of Dreams.
But any work on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand would likely need a big project including the use of cranes, including the closure of the railway track behind the stand.
That means United will likely be unable to host Soccer Aid this year with Stamford Bridge mooted as an alternative.
Chelsea held the 2019 edition of Soccer Aid while it has also taken place at London Stadium, Wembley and the Etihad.
If Ratcliffe and Ineos decide against renovating Old Trafford they could build a £2billion “Wembley of the North”.
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Ratcliffe does not want to relocate United, and therefore the Ineos chief has reportedly identified the land around Old Trafford as the site for the fresh construction.
That would see the stadium placed between the railway lines that run past the current ground and the Bridgewater Canal.
And Ratcliffe hopes to build an arena that can rival the 90,000-seater national football stadium at Wembley.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
