AliousBombshell Proposal: Ex-Everton CEO Suggests United Could Temporarily Groundshare at Goodison
In a surprising proposition, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has floated the idea that Manchester United could temporarily relocate to Goodison Park while renovations take place at their iconic Old Trafford home.
Wyness, who was CEO at Everton from 2004-2009 before working as a consultant to elite clubs, made the eyebrow-raising suggestion during an interview on the Football Insider podcast.
With United establishing a task force earlier this year to plan a major redevelopment or potential rebuild of Old Trafford, Wyness believes they may need to find an alternate temporary home during construction work.
The 66-year-old claims Goodison could provide a viable option to keep United based in the north-west, despite the historic rivalry between the clubs.
“Manchester United have been looking at either redeveloping Old Trafford or building a new stadium for a long time,” Wyness stated.
“If they don’t construct a new stadium next to Old Trafford, they’ll need to find somewhere to play. Wembley has been proposed, and that doesn’t seem all that crazy.
“But this is shocking news: Goodison Park will be available after Everton moves into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season. It would, at the very least, keep the games in the northwest.”
He added with a smile: “I know there will be problems with that suggestion, but there are advantages and disadvantages. There aren’t really any other potential stadiums nearby, in my opinion.”
Wyness urged United’s hierarchy to “get a move on” with their redevelopment plans, describing the situation as “urgent” given the perceived poor upkeep of Old Trafford in recent years under the Glazer ownership.
While the idea of the bitter rivals groundsharing may seem far-fetched, Wyness believes the financial opportunities could make it a consideration if no other viable temporary home is available locally.
United’s redevelopment ambitions received a boost with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stake purchase, with the INEOS billionaire backing plans to create a “world-class” stadium rivaling icons like the Bernabeu and Wembley.
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