Why Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium isn't a Euro 2028 host venue

Old Trafford has been left off the list of host stadiums for the 2028 European Championship after Manchester United withdrew from the process earlier this year as a result of uncertainty over redevelopment plans.

UEFA have today confirmed that Euro 2028 will take place in the UK and Republic of Ireland and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium will host matches in the city, but United were unable to offer guarantees that Old Trafford would be ready in time.

The stadium was shortlisted by the Football Association in their preliminary bid dossier submitted to UEFA but United had already announced plans to look at the future of Old Trafford with redevelopment plans on the table. When the preliminary bid was made public in November 2022, United were working on the assumption that the stadium would be available to host matches in Euro 2028.

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But after discussions between United and the FA, it was agreed that the stadium would be left off the list of potential host venues as guarantees could not be made for the use of the stadium in 2028. Redevelopment plans are yet to progress with the schemes on hold until the Glazers' strategic review is concluded, with the 10-month process yet to result in either a takeover or new investment into the club.

In confirming that they had withdrawn Old Trafford from the list of potential venues earlier this year, a United statement said: “Manchester United was pleased to put Old Trafford forward as a potential host of UEFA Euro 2028 matches and proud of the strong case we made.

“However, during follow-up discussions with the FA, it became clear that we were