Old Trafford misses out on hosting Euro 2028 games in UK and Ireland bid

Manchester United have been handed a major blow, as their home, Old Trafford, has not been deemed good enough to use for Euro 2028.

It doesn't feel that long ago since we watched Lionel Messi lift the World Cup in Qatar but Gareth Southgate's thoughts have already turned to the Euros in just over year's time.

Qualification is well under way, with England having won their opening two games, away to Italy and home to Ukraine, two of their toughest fixtures on paper.

And, thanks in part to Scott McTominay's four goals in two games, Scotland have a great chance of qualification already as well.

Not only could the two British nations see each other in Germany in 2024, they could also be teaming up to host the tournament four years later.

England and Scotland also have Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland alongside them, as they attempt to beat Turkey to hosting Euro 2028.

Liverpool and Arsenal have already missed out on hosting games, and now United are also set to miss out on the possibility, with rivals Manchester City chosen ahead of them.

As per the Times, the 74,300 seater stadium has failed on a number of UEFA's requirements, and is in need of a serious upgrade.

Old Trafford has too many issues. Image: Alamy

Whilst City's Etihad Stadium has significantly less capacity at the moment, it is due to get an increase up to 60,000 seats in the near future.

The stadium, formerly known as the City of Manchester Stadium, was originally used for the Commonwealth Games in the north west in 2002, and is much more modern than United's ground.

A lack of development in the 'Theatre of Dreams' is one of the many complaints fans have about the ownership of the club by the Glazer family, and a video of the state of the toilets recently went viral.

The Americans potentially selling the club is another reason that Old Trafford is set to miss out on hosting tournament games, with the future of the ground in doubt, with potential new owners likely to invest in Old Trafford or build a new stadium.

"Manchester United were pleased to put Old Trafford forward as a potential host of Uefa Euro 2028 matches and proud of the strong case we made," a statement from the club said.

"However, during follow-up discussions with the FA, it became clear that we were unable to provide the necessary certainty around the 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’.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes the FA the best of luck with the bid to host the tournament in 2028."

The list of 14 stadiums from the FA will be reduced down to 10 next week, although UEFA could change the stadiums themselves.