Man Utd and Liverpool snubs from Euro 2028 explained as 10 stadiums announced

12 April 2023 , 13:51

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Despite being English football's two most successful clubs, both Manchester United and Liverpool won't be hosting any matches if the UK and Ireland win their bid for Euro 2028.

As the campaign was officially unveiled on Wednesday, a shortlist of 10 proposed stadiums was announced which omitted the famous Old Trafford and iconic Anfield, bemusing fans who'd expected their inclusion when the bid was first being developed.

On the contrary and only adding to the debate, United and Liverpool's arch rivals will in fact be hosting matches throughout the tournament if the UK and Ireland are successful. Manchester City and Everton would each be given the privilege of welcoming European football's star names in the summer of 2028, despite their smaller status in world football compared to their neighbours'.

So, why?

First of all, it's important to note that each of the five nations involved in the bid must be represented by having a stadium which is used. For Scotland, Hampden Park in Glasgow has been chosen, as has Wales' Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

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Across the Irish sea, Northern Ireland is poised to host matches at their as-yet-unbuilt Casement Park in Belfast. The new development joins Everton's new home in being the only two unfinished stadiums which have been included in the bid.

After the Republic of Ireland missed out on boasting two grounds, both in Dublin, the Aviva Stadium has been chosen over Croke Park. That leaves just six places in England for the campaign organisers to choose from.

This is how Everton's new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock is set to look (PA)

Of course, Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the tournament, joined by fellow London ground the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Away from the capital, Aston Villa's Villa Park has been selected to represent the Midlands, as has St James' Park for the north-east in Newcastle.

Then there's two spots for north-west locations, where many presumed United and Liverpool would stake their claims. However, Manchester City's newer, flashier Etihad Stadium has got the nod alongside the aforementioned ground which Everton are building on Bramley-Moore Dock.

Have your say! Should Old Trafford and Anfield been included in the bid? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Old Trafford's omission may not come as a surprise to those who follow United every week, as the stadium has been criticised for its decaying facilities in recent years which the Glazers have failed to address. The ground is in such a dire state compared to its last renovation in 2006 that a key aspect of the club's takeover saga is Old Trafford's future and how much it'd cost to spruce the stadium up or replace it with a brand new home for United.

Anfield, meanwhile, has been improved over the past decade and currently towers over Everton's ageing Goodison Park across the city. But once building on Bramley-Moore Dock is completed, the Toffees are set to take the upper hand.