Manchester United could reportedly lose the right to host the Super League Grand Final, now that Man City’s Etihad Stadium is being considered as an alternative venue.
The prestigious final has been held at Old Trafford since 1998, so it would be fair to say there is a bit of a tradition behind having it at our stadium. Even if it’s egg ball rugby.
However, we are not going to lie and pretend Old Trafford is state of the art, let alone first in class. The leaky roof has become a symbol of United’s regression under the Glazer family.
The stadium is not in the best of conditions as has been highlighted by fans who attend games.
Furthermore, even as a semi-final host for Euro 96, Old Trafford has not made the ten-stadium shortlist for Euro 2028.
As a result of uncertainty around Old Trafford, the Daily Mail claims Man City could get the chance to replace United as the hosts for the Super League Grand Final.
United’s contract with the Rugby Football League expires next year.
It goes without saying that the Etihad Stadium has a lower capacity in comparison to Old Trafford, but the Super League Grand Final rarely sells out.
Rebuild Old Trafford?
Back in August 2022, former United defender Gary Neville urged the Glazers to invest £1 billion to rebuild Old Trafford. He was speaking after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brentford but many of the points he made were valid.
“Manchester United need a billion pounds in this next two-three years to either rebuild or renovate that stadium,” said Neville. “They probably need another £500-600m on a training ground and other infrastructure projects and football investment.”
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