FIFA inspectors greeted by Rooney, Sir Bobby and Sir Alex

By Andrew Warshaw

August 25 – Manchester United greats of past and present gave FIFA’s 2018 World Cup inspectors an insider’s view of Old Trafford today as Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson took them on a tour of the famous ground.

“I hope we are successful so the best players and teams from around the world can bring their supporters with them for one big festival of football,” said Ferdinand, the current England captain.

“We have just about every culture represented here in Manchester so I can guarantee they would get a warm welcome and could come here to Old Trafford to create an immense atmosphere.”

Rooney, England’s number one marksman, said he expected to have reached his peak in eight years’ time.

“I’m hoping I’ll still be at the top of my game in 2018 and would love to play World Cup football in front of a home crowd.”

Sir Bobby, an iconic key member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, added: “When I walk on the pitch and think of the generations of fans that have been here through the years, cheering on some of the best players the world has ever seen, it is hard not to get emotional.

“Games at this ground have inspired people all over the world for generations and I would love to see World Cup matches played here in 2018 so it can inspire even more.”

FIFA’s six-man team, led by Harold Mayne-Nicholls, focussed on football ground tours as they visited Sunderland, Newcastle and Manchester.

The day began in the North-East with stadium visits at Sunderland AFC and Newcastle FC.

First up, Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn and British middle distance icon Steve Cram (pictured) provided behind the scenes access at The Stadium of Light.

Then, later in the morning, England 2018 ambassador and former Newcastle and England forward, Peter Beardsley, showed the FIFA delegates around St James Park.

City of Manchester Stadium and Old Trafford were the next venues for the FIFA inspectors in the afternoon.

To kick things off in Manchester, Howard Webb, who refereed the World Cup Final last month, was joined by former Man City forward, Mick Summerbee and club Chief Executive, Gary Cook, in meeting the inspectors.

Delegates were to visit the proposed venue for the FIFA Preliminary draw, Manchester Central, before a reception at the town hall is held.

A festival of youth football attended by former Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles, another 2018 ambassador, and former Manchester Utd defender Denis Irwin was to take place outside the town hall involving more than 180 children from across the city.

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