UNITED INVITE EUROPEAN GIANTS TO OLD TRAFFORD

Last updated : 04 July 2006 By Editor

So we'll have to make do with Seville instead. United proudly announce:

Old Trafford will open as a 76,000 seater stadium by hosting the UEFA Cup holders Seville on Saturday 12 August, kick off 3pm.

The 8,000 seat extension of the stadium, which was partially opened ahead of schedule at the end of last season, will be fully opened for the start of the new season, confirming the famous old ground as the biggest in UK club football.

Announcing the game, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's fitting that 50 years after the Club became the first in England to play European football, we are to welcome a current European cup holder to Old Trafford.

"It's a good way to celebrate the club's achievements in the past five decades – and a great way to open the fantastic new quadrants we have built.”

The match will be preceded with the burial of a time capsule which commemorates the Club's achievements in the 50 years that have passed since the legendary Busby Babes won their first league championship in 1956.