Hey guys, I'll be going to watch the United-Leicester game on May 1st. I'm staying on Wilmslow Road and can't quite figure out the best way to get to Old Trafford. The game starts at 14:00. I have to catch a train to Newcastle after the match to meet my friend there. My questions are:

How much time before the match should I arrive at OT? What's the best (fastest/cheapest) way to get there from Wilmslow Road? Any pre-match pubs you'd recommend?

After the match, what's the best way to get back to Wilmslow?

At what time should I book my train ticket to Newcastle? I don't know how much rush there is after the match and don't want to end up in a situation where I miss my train. Would booking a train for 18:30 be safe? Also, which station would be the closest from Wilmslow Road?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.