The Football Association are believed to have earmarked Old Trafford as the venue for a possible World Cup play-off.
With England currently bottom of their qualifying group, even the best efforts of new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson are unlikely to gain any more reward than a runners-up spot behind leaders Germany.
This is likely to earn England a play-off match to decide qualification for next year's tournament, which will be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
With Wembley out of commission, the FA believe Old Trafford, with its 67,500 capacity, is the only ground large enough to cope.
They have already planned games at Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Derby over the next few months.