Manchester United’s stadium Old Trafford will not be named amongst the proposed grounds for the British and Irish bid to host Euro 2028, as the lack of investment in the Theatre of Dreams now becomes undeniable.
The list of potential grounds that will be submitted as host venues for Euro 2028 games should the bid be successful have been reported, with the Etihad - home of Manchester City - set to make the cut at the expense of cross city rivals United.
Old Trafford is expected to be snubbed despite the ground set to host England’s Euro 2024 qualifying game against North Macedonia in June.
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According to The Times, the organisers prefer to put the home of the Citizens into the bid, with the Etihad set to be further expanded by the end of the year, with renovations to the ground’s North Stand set to see the capacity climb from 53,400 to 60,000.
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Despite holding a capacity of 74,310, Old Trafford is likely to be overlooked with the last major redevelopment done to the ground coming in 2006 when the corners between the Stretford End and the East Stand were filled in to join with the three-tier Sir Alex Ferguson stand.
The Glazers have come under incredible pressure from the fan base to sell the club with the lack of investment in infrastructure acting as one of the sources of discontent from United fans towards the American family.
Ideas have been put forward to expand Old Trafford which would potentially include a completely new ground being built or the option of extending the single tier South Stand which previously has been difficult to expand due to the railway lines that run behind the ground.
Other Premier League grounds in contention for the bid include the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park and Villa Park whilst Everton’s future home at Bramley Moore Dock is also in consideration.
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