Explaining why Manchester United will not allow Old Trafford to host any EURO 2028 fixtures

Old Trafford will not host any EURO 2028 fixtures as the United Kingdom and Ireland are awarded the tournament.

Manchester United‘s Old Trafford stadium will not be used to host any EURO 2028 fixtures, it has been decided.

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have been awarded the hosting duties for EURO 2028, with 10 stadiums outlined in which the competition will take place.

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Wembley Stadium, the national football stadium, will host a series of the team’s fixtures, with the Principality Stadium in Cardiff also on the list.

The remaining stadiums are the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Everton Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, Hampden Park, Dublin Arena, and Casement Park.

Although Old Trafford was on the original shortlist put forward by the Football Association in their preliminary bid, United had previously announced plans to look into the future of Old Trafford, with a redevelopment of the stadium an option.

When the bid was initially made, the club were looking at having plans finished by 2028, but after the club and the FA discussed the idea further, it was agreed that Old Trafford would not host any EURO 2028 fixtures as United could not guarantee that it would be available for use that summer.

Manchester United previously released a statement explaining the decision: “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 unable to provide the necessary certainty around availability of Old Trafford due to potential redevelopment of the stadium. As a result, we have mutually agreed to withdraw from the shortlist of potential hosts.

“We are committed to maintaining Old Trafford’s status as the largest and most iconic club football ground in England and look forward to future opportunities to host international matches and major events at the Theatre of Dreams.”