Old Trafford will host the opening game of the Women's European Championships in 2021 it has been confirmed.
With 500 days to go until the tournament kicks off on July 7 next year, the Football Association has confirmed England will open the tournament at Manchester United's home ground and they're hoping to break the attendance record.
The opening fixture of the last tournament, held in the Netherlands, drew a crowd of 21,732 and there is hope that England's opener next summer can attract over 74,000 and break the current record of 41,301 from the final in Sweden in 2013.
Old Trafford is one of 10 stadiums across the country which will host the tournament with the final being held at Wembley on August 1. Other games will be played at United Women's ground Leigh Sports Village, Man City Women's home ground the Academy Stadium, Bramall Lane and four other grounds in the south.
The 2017 tournament saw 240,045 tickets sold which surpassed the previous record of 216,888 and with the popularity of the game continuing to rise there is hope the 2017 record can be smashed with over 700,000 tickets available for purchase.
Former Manchester United player and England Women's head coach Phil Neville is already excited for the fixture.
"It doesn’t get much bigger than managing your country at a home EURO and to have the opportunity to do so at a stadium that holds so many memories for me is huge," Neville said. "Old Trafford has a special place in my heart, but it is also one of the country’s most iconic football grounds, so today’s announcement is a significant one for the tournament. I’m looking forward to kicking off our WEURO2021 campaign in Manchester and to offering fans across the country the chance to watch the elite women’s game on home turf next summer.”
Old Trafford chiefs are also looking forward to the occasion.
Collette Roche, Manchester United's chief operating officer, said: "Manchester United is honoured to host the Lionesses for the opening game of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021.
"Staging this illustrious fixture at Old Trafford provides a fantastic occasion to introduce women’s football to a whole new audience and support the global growth of the sport. With the potential opportunity to break the attendance record for an opening match at the UEFA Women’s EURO, this is a match not to be missed."
