Manchester United officials have admitted it was a challenge to cope with - as described - "unprecedented rainfall" following Sunday's 0-1 defeat to Arsenal. This is just further evidence of why new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is strongly advocating for an entirely new stadium.

Deluge

United reported that 41 mm of rain fell within two hours after the final whistle, and on social media, videos were shared showing a large waterfall caused by a leaky roof between the East Stand and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. Water flowing down the stairs of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand was also depicted, flooding the moat around the pitch. Leaks were reported in rooms beneath the stands, including in the away team's locker room. The PA news agency reported that high-ranking officials convened after the match to discuss this situation. Sources told ESPN that all fans present at Old Trafford safely exited the venue. However, it is widely believed this situation underscores United's need for a better stadium.

Scenes during the storm led to Old Trafford being described as the fourth tallest waterfall in England, considering the 55-meter East Stand was only behind Cauldron Snout (60 m), Canonteign Falls (70 m), and Cautley Spout (76 m). Some humorously referenced the situation by playing Manchester band The Stone Roses' rock song "Waterfall".

© Sky Sports | Rainfall at Old Trafford

Ratcliffe's dream coming true?

While United does have detailed plans to replace the roof on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, it's a multi-million pound and multi-year project intricately linked to explored redevelopment options by a task force. The events on Sunday unfolded just hours after Ratcliffe, Coe, and Burnham met with Labour Party leader Keir Starmer to discuss a potential new stadium as a central element of a massive Trafford Park revitalization project.

On Monday, photos emerged of workers suspended on the East Stand roof, though sources indicate these repairs were planned in advance and involved repainting faded front boards. Old Trafford was deemed fully operational, with both the museum and tours opening promptly at 10:00, seeing over 700 fans pass through its doors during the day. The storm does not affect United's ability to host Wednesday's match against Newcastle.

The events from the Arsenal match are widely discussed in English media, and consensus is that this situation will aid United's co-owner in pushing forward with his dream project of building Webley of the North.

Fans has already created a lot of memes about the incident