Man Utd are missing out on hosting Euro 2028 games because the club withdrew Old Trafford from the selection process.
12:57, 13 Nov 2025Updated 12:57, 13 Nov 2025
Manchester City are understandably delighted that the Etihad Stadium has been selected as a host venue for Euro 2028.
City have invested heavily in the stadium and believe that has been the key to their selection as a host venue, but the truth is Manchester United have had a hand in the decision.
Euro 2028 will be played in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Old Trafford is the largest club football ground in the UK, but it withdrew from the venue selection process two years ago.
United did not want to commit their stadium to being involved in the tournament amid ongoing discussions over the future of Old Trafford, and a mutual decision was reached with the Football Association to withdraw it from consideration, which meant the Etihad’s bid to host in Manchester went unchallenged.
Simply put, you could argue the Etihad has only been chosen to host Euro 2028 games in Manchester because Old Trafford couldn’t commit to hosting during the tournament.
City will likely feel that they would have been selected as a host venue regardless. The Etihad will expand capacity to over 60,000 when the North Stand redevelopment is complete.
The Medlock hotel is part of the club’s £300million expansion project, and it will boast 401 rooms in what has been billed as City’s new “entertainment destination” in the new year.
When the hosting venues were confirmed this week, City’s managing director of operations said: “Hosting five matches as part of Euro 2028, including England’s opening match should they qualify directly, will be a special moment for the club, the city, and most importantly – its people.
“Manchester has a proud history of hosting some of the world’s best sporting and cultural events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2002, which kick-started the sports-led regeneration of this area of Manchester.
“Thanks to our work alongside Manchester City Council and the club’s continued commitment to investing in world-class facilities, we are proud to continue bringing the best of the world to Manchester, and in turn, showcasing the best of Manchester to the world.”
City chiefs would have backed the Etihad to be selected ahead of Old Trafford in a potential venue battle due to their investment in facilities, but the bottom line is that Old Trafford has a greater capacity.
Only Camp Nou (Barcelona), the Bernabeu (Real Madrid), Signal Iduna Park (Borussia Dortmund) and Olympiastadion (Hertha Berlin) hold more fans than Old Trafford from clubs in Europe.
Old Trafford has a capacity of 74,197, which might have ultimately put the ground ahead of the Etihad had a decision been required from UEFA between the two venues for Euro 2028.
United’s home is regarded as an iconic football arena, whereas the Etihad lacks that rich history as a relatively newly-built stadium. Both grounds have similar public transport links and are close to Manchester city centre.
Old Trafford would have had a greater capacity and a wealth of history in its favour, although there is no denying that the facilities at the Etihad are better after continued investment.
We’ll never know which stadium would have won in a potential Euro 2028 venue battle, and it’s great to see the Etihad be selected to host five games due to the benefits it will bring to the region.
The leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Bev Craig, said: “Manchester is known the world over as a great footballing city and we could not be more excited to be welcoming such a prestigious tournament, which is enjoyed by millions of fans around the world, to our city.
“We’re a city where football runs deep in our DNA and we’re counting down the days to UEFA Euro 2028. As well as our unrivalled love for football, the city brings together an exceptional network of partners who are working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for players, fans, and visitors alike.
“As well as enjoying some fantastic football from world-class players at the top of their game right here on our doorstep, we’ll be going all out to maximise the benefits to Manchester of hosting the tournament, and with a projected economic boost to the local economy of over £200million, it’s an absolute win-win for the city and for local residents.”
The £200m economic boost for Manchester can only be a positive.
2025-11-13 12:57:34
