Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bold Old Trafford decision is what Man United needs

Manchester United's Old Trafford holds a special place in the hearts of all supporters of the club and even with those who are merely associated with English football.

The Theatre of Dreams may have become the stuff of nightmares both on and off the pitch in recent years but it remains United's home. That is why when any whiff of moving stadium is mentioned, it is met with uproar from sections of the fanbase.

The latest update on Old Trafford's future is unlikely to please the purists either. MEN Sport understands United are looking at potentially selling the naming rights for the stadium in a bid to fund a brand new ground or significant refurbishments to the existing Old Trafford.

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Traditionalists will argue that selling the naming rights to Old Trafford would be akin to pawning the crown jewels. Unfortunately, the reality is that nothing in football is sacrosanct these days.

Old Trafford's refurbishment has become a necessity now rather than a want. The scenes we saw after the Arsenal game last season were terrible and made United a laughing stock globally - change is needed badly.

If allowing the rights to be sold is the only way Ineos can ensure the funds are secured to do the work that is required, so be it. Old Trafford's name will still live on in any such deal so it isn't like United will have to play their games at a comically christened stadium.

Plus, considering the significance Old Trafford has in world football, United could demand a sizeable fee for the sponsorship. To the traditionalists, Old Trafford will always have the same name no matter what and that shall never change.

Embracing a new