Man UTD Stars Back 2018 Bid With Tour

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and club legend Sir Bobby Charlton both backed England’s 2018 World Cup bid after showing the FIFA bid inspectors around Old Trafford.

Official bid ambassador Wayne Rooney and England’s Rio Ferdinand also welcomed the inspectors to Old Trafford as part of their visit to the North East.??

The six-man FIFA delegate team also toured Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and Newcastle’s St James’ Park as they completed their third day of inspection.??

Charlton, who was part of England’s unsuccessful 2006 World Cup bid, was delighted to be involved: ‘I was pleased we were able to bring the inspectors to see a ground which has produced so many great moments.’

The bid inspectors visited London on Tuesday and met with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who described England’s bid as ‘unbeatable’.??

The FIFA team were also given presentations on hotels, transport and security before having a boat journey along the Thames, then visited the O2 Arena – the proposed venue for the final draw.