GARY NEVILLE has slammed the Glazers after Old Trafford was snubbed by the UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 bid.
Despite being Britain’s biggest domestic stadium with a capacity of 74,310, the Theatre of Dreams failed to make the ten-team list submitted yesterday.
Despite only holding 61,000, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is viewed as a more suitable modern ground for the bid.
And uncertainty surrounding Man United’s takeover situation, and the possible stadium upgrades that may or may not follow, ultimately ruled Old Trafford out.
Red Devils legend Neville, 48, is livid that Old Trafford has been allowed to deteriorate to this point.
Speaking to the Mail, the former full-back called it a “dereliction of duty” on the Glazers’ part.
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He fumed: “The Glazer family have, for years, been warned about a lack of investment in Old Trafford.
“They have overseen a decline for 20 years in which it has gone from being one of the best stadiums in the world to one that can’t even get into the top 10 in the UK and Ireland.
“This is an all-time low. That it is not in the best ten to host a tournament is a joke.”
He then went on to add: “There has been no investment. It is a rusty stadium. This is a dereliction of duty. It is shameful.”
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United have been up for sale since last year, although the Glazers have launched a THIRD round of bidding after failing to get the price they desire.
The decision led to bidder Thomas Zilliacus labelling the process a “farce” – pointing out the difficulty of building a winning team for next season in such a short space of time.
Zilliacus has pulled out of the running, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim remain.
The door also remains open for a minority stake to be purchased by a separate bidder – which would keep the unpopular Glazers at United.
On the prospect, Neville continued: “They have to get out as quickly as possible to allow new owners to come in and put United back to where it should be — on and off the pitch.”
The UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 bid will go up against Turkey for hosting honours.
In addition to the Etihad, it features Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, St James’ Park, Hampden Park, Dublin Arena and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Also included are Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium and Belfast’s Casement Park – both yet to be completed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
