I get asked all the time from people who are visiting Old Trafford for the first time, what can they do pre or post match, where is the best pub to go, etc etc. Here’s a few ideas!
Must See
There’s several absolute must see places around the ground that you should see on your first visit. The obvious ones outside the ground are the three external statues;
- Sir Matt Busby is located above the megastore on the East Side of the Ground.
- Charlton, Law & Best ‘Trinity statue’ is located directly opposite Sir Matt’s, approx. 30m away.
- Sir Alex Ferguson is located on the North Stand/Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, above the museum entrance.
- Munich Tunnel, several displays along the tunnel on the south side of the ground are visible once you enter the tunnel, detailing the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, the matches immediately before and after as well as memorials to the players and staff lost.
- Munich Plaque and Clock, located on the South East side of the ground is a clock and stone plaque to commemorate those lost in the Munich Air Disaster. This is the spot fans usually leave mementos and flowers on the anniversary.
Merchandise
- If you arrive early enough you’ll be able to browse the club mega store, located underneath East Stand, opposite the famous ‘Trinity Statue’. The mega store sells all the clubs merchandise from mugs to clothes, DVDs and posters as well as shirts and training kit. The closer it gets to kick off, the busier this place will be, though.
- Around the ground you will see plenty of independent traders, scarf and badge sellers, t-shirt sellers, flag sellers. There’s probably 30-40 market stalls and independent traders along Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson Way. Stay away from the half and half scarves, though.
- Fanzines, there are two major fanzines on sale outside the ground and you’ll hear the sellers shouting as you walk up to the ground. Red News and United We Stand. Both have been going for a long time and will give you a great independent insight into the football club from a fans perspective, for around £2.50
Autographs
After the game the players generally stop by to sign autographs for fans at the Players Entrance. This is located on the South West corner of the ground between the Munich Tunnel and the Stretford End. There will be a lot of fans here, but there’s a very good chance you’ll still be able to get something signed. If you’re prepared to wait around.
Pubs & Eating
There’s plenty of pubs around Old Trafford where you’ll find fans getting into the matchday spirit. See the map below for locations.
- The Trafford – located at the crossroads south of Old Trafford along Sir Matt Busby Way, it’s a fan favourite and it’s very, very busy. Good for having a few drinks before hitting the ground.
- Bishops Blaize – located on the opposite angle of the crossroads from The Trafford, you’ll hear the Bishops before you see it. Usually rowdy, always busy. Call in and check it out!
- Red Square – the largest of the venues, Red Square has got an amazing wall mural inside, not really that rowdy, but probably the easiest place to get a beer in.
- Sam Platts – By far the rowdiest, hard to get served, but well worth a visit. Outside in the tent there will be tons of singing, and all sorts going on.
- Hotel Football – Owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs the hotel has a Supporters Club in the basement that’s great for a pre-match pint, you can also grab some good food in Café Football, if you book in advance. Being the closest to the ground, this gets extremely busy. As everywhere does!
- Food vans – all around the ground you’ll find food kiosks. It’s fast food so don’t expect anything high end, but there’s lots of options. Quite cheap too!
