Manchester United have promised to consult fans before selling the naming rights to their stadium, but the club have admitted that renaming Old Trafford is an option being considered.
United are considering plans to redevelop Old Trafford or build a new stadium on the same site.
The project could cost up to £2 billion ($2.58 billion) and United's chief operating officer Collette Roache has told fans that “all possible funding options” will be explored.
These include the sale of the naming rights to a new stadium and the signing of an agreement under which Barcelona's stadium was renamed Spotify Camp Nou.
But speaking at a fan forum this month, Roache said supporters would be consulted before a decision was made.
“You may have seen the media speculation about naming rights and it was nothing more than that – speculation,” Roache said. “We need to consider all possible funding options but we are still in the early stages and no decision has been made. What we can promise is that fans, through this forum and other channels, will be kept informed and consulted at every step of the process.”
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as part-owner, work has already begun on a £50m renovation of United's Carrington training ground.
Improvements are also being made at Old Trafford, including the modernisation of the players' tunnel.
“The players' tunnel hasn't changed much since it opened in 1993 following the redevelopment of the Stretford End,” said Roache. “But when the players go out to play against Fulham next month, they will find a much sleeker and more modern tunnel interior.”
Meanwhile, United have also taken steps to allay fans' concerns that competitive matches could be moved abroad.
There has been speculation that Premier League matches could be moved to venues outside the UK, but Roache has assured supporters that the club is “not pursuing” that idea.
