Manchester United

A Guide to the Manchester United Ground

Manchester United’s home ground is the old Trafford stadium. The grounds were constructed in 1909 and were designed by the architect, Archibald Leitch. It has the highest capacity of any pitch after London’s Wembley Stadium. Christened the Theatre of Dreams by Bobby Charlton, one of the side’s greatest ever players, it has seen some of the team’s most significant achievements.

The Pitch

The actual pitch is 106 metres long and 69 metres wide. The centre of the pitch is raised above the edges by approximately 9 inches. This allows surface water to run off the main arena without clogging up the turf. The pitch is regularly re-laid at a cost of ₤250,000 on each occasion.

At Old Trafford, the pitch is surrounded by four main stands. With the exception of the South Stand, the other three stands (North, East and West) each consist of two tiers. The lower tier of each stand is divided into an upper and lower section.

The North Stand

This stand was formerly known as the United Road Stand as it runs above United Road. It is the largest of the four stands and can seat almost 26,000 spectators. It also houses a number of executive boxes. As Old Trafford’s principal stand, you’ll be able to find a number of other attractions located here. These include the main museum and trophy room, which receives some 200,000 visitors each year and the Red Café, a Manchester United themed restaurant and bar.

The South Stand

This was originally the main stand at Old Trafford. It is smaller than the other three stands. Nevertheless, it’s the best place to spot VIPs as it contains the highest number of executive seats in the stadium. The media also tends to locate itself in this stand because the view of the pitch from the Upper South Stand is generally regarded as being unparalleled. An excellent view of the pitch also explains why the South Stand is home to the team dugouts. This is where you’ll find the managers and coaches on match day and during training sessions.

The West Stand

This is perhaps the most famous of the three stands and you’re likely to find the most fervent United supporters seated here. The West Stand is also sometimes referred to as the Stretford End. A statue of the Manchester United legend, Denis Law, can be found near the stand’s upper tier.

The East Stand

The East Stand is sometimes known as the ‘K’ Stand or the Scoreboard End. It has a capacity of 12,000. The seating area also includes 170 seats for disabled visitors and free seating is provided for carers where necessary. The ground floor of the East Stand is largely taken up by the huge Manchester United Megastore, which covers some 17,000 square feet. The store is owned and run by the sporting merchandiser, Nike, which is currently one of Manchester United’s key sponsors. The East Stand is also home to the team’s administrative heart. The team’s official magazine, Inside United, has its offices here as do the individuals who run United’s website.

How to Get to Old Trafford

By Car

To get to Old Trafford by car, first get yourself on to the M60. You will then need to leave the M60 at one of the junctions listed below which is closest to you.

Junction 7
This junction is the recommended route from Clockwise M60. Once you leave the M60 at the junction, you will find yourself on the A56 travelling towards Manchester. The A56 is dotted with signs which will direct you towards the Manchester United grounds. Follow these and then turn left once you are on Sir Matt Busby Way.

Junction 9
Turn in at this junction and onto the Parkway (A5081) if you have been driving anti-clockwise along the M60. This will get you travelling in the direction of Trafford Park. At the first island, take exit number 3. You’ll now find yourself driving along Village Way. Keep driving until you get to the next island. Here you will see a set of traffic lights. Take the second exit. You will now find yourself on Wharfside Way. Keep travelling until you reach the junction with Sir Matt Busby Way.

Junction 12
This is an alternative route that you can take if you are travelling anti-clockwise along the M60. Leaving the M60 at Junction 12 will get you onto the M602. Once you get to the end of the M602 (Junction 3), you will need to follow the signs to Trafford Park and Salford Quays. Keep driving until you reach the roundabout. Here turn right: this will put you on Trafford Road (A5063). When you get to the bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal, remember to stay within the right hand lane. This will ensure that you are able to turn right when you reach the next set of traffic lights. Follow this road; this will eventually place you on Trafford Wharf Road. Once you arrive at the next set of traffic lights – turn left. This will then place you on Waters Reach. You should be able to spot the Golden Tulip Hotel on the left. Pass through the traffic lights onto Sir Matt Busby Way.

Car parking facilities are available by Old Trafford. However, on match days, Sir Matt Busby Way is closed to vehicles that do not possess a permit. On these occasions, Manchester United advises visitors to use official Car Parks dotted along the approaches to the team grounds. They can be identified by their distinctive brown signs.

By Train

Public transport is a great way of getting to Old Trafford, especially on match days when the roads can be very busy. North Western Trains offer services from Manchester City Centre to the nearest train station to old Trafford which is located close to the South Stand. However, match times vary, so be sure to check with National Rail Enquires (Telephone: 08457 48 49 50) for accurate schedules.

How to Book Tickets

Details concerning ticket applications for home and away fixtures may be found here. Click on ‘Fixture News’ by the side of each match for exact prices and for information on how tickets may be purchased for each game.

Click here for a seating plan.

Ticket Prices

These represent maximum prices. In certain instances, ticket prices may be set at a lower figure if an agreement has been reached with the opposing team.

Ticket Prices – Premier League

Stand	Adult	Senior	Junior
North/South Stand Centre	£48.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Upper Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£10.00
South Stand Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Tier 2 Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Tier 2 Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North/ South Lower Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North and South Lower Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£10.00
North East Quadrants Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North West Quadrants Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North East Quadrants Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£10.00
North West Quadrants Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£10.00
East Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
West Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
East Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
West Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
Family Stand	£33.00	£16.50	£10.00
North Stand Tier 3	£32.00	£16.00	£10.00
East Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£10.00
West Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£10.00

Ticket Prices – FA Cup and Carling Cup

Stand	Adult	Senior	Junior
North/South Stand Centre	£48.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Upper Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£10.00
South Stand Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Tier 2 Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£10.00
North Stand Tier 2 Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North/ South Lower Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North and South Lower Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£10.00
North East Quadrant Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North West Quadrant Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£10.00
North East Quadrant Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£10.00
North West Quadrants Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£10.00
East Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
West Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
East Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
West Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£10.00
Family Stand	£33.00	£16.50	£10.00
North Stand Tier 3	£32.00	£16.00	£10.00
East Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£10.00
West Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£10.00

Ticket Prices – Season Ticket

Stand	Adult	Senior	Junior
North/South Stand Centre	£912	£380	N/A
North Stand Upper Wings	£855	£380	N/A
South Stand Wings	£855	£380	N/A
North Stand Tier 2 Centre	£798	£380	N/A
North Stand Tier 2 Wings	£760	£380	N/A
North/ South Lower Wings	£760	£380	N/A
North and South Lower Centre	£798	£380	N/A
North East Quadrants Tier 2	£760	£380	N/A
North West Quadrants Tier 2	£760	£380	N/A
North East Quadrants Tier 1	£684	£342	N/A
North West Quadrants Tier 1	£684	£342	N/A
East Stand Upper	£665	£333	N/A
West Stand Upper	£665	£333	N/A
East Stand Tier 2	£665	£333	N/A
West Stand Tier 2	£665	£333	N/A
Family Stand	£627	£314	£190.00
North Stand Tier 3	£608	£304	N/A
East Stand Lower	£494	£247	N/A
West Stand Lower	£494	£247	N/A

Ticket Prices – UEFA Champions League

Stand	(GS) Adult	(GS) Senior	(KR) Adult	(KR) Senior	(QF) Adult	(QF) Senior	(SF) Adult	(SF) Senior
North/South Stand Centre	£48.00	£20.00	£53.00	£20.00	£55.00	£20.00	£58.00	£20.00
North Stand Upper Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00	£52.00	£20.00	£55.00	£20.00
South Stand Wings	£45.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00	£52.00	£20.00	£58.00	£20.00
North Stand Tier 2 Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£49.00	£20.00	£52.00	£20.00
North Stand Tier 2 Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00
North/ South Lower Wings	£40.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00
North and South Lower Centre	£42.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£49.00	£20.00	£52.00	£20.00
North East Quadrants Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00
North West Quadrants Tier 2	£40.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00	£47.00	£20.00	£50.00	£20.00
North East Quadrants Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£41.00	£20.00	£43.00	£20.00	£46.00	£20.00
North West Quadrants Tier 1	£36.00	£18.00	£41.00	£20.00	£43.00	£20.00	£46.00	£20.00
East Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£40.00	£20.00	£42.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00
West Stand Upper	£35.00	£17.50	£40.00	£20.00	£42.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00
East Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£40.00	£20.00	£42.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00
West Stand Tier 2	£35.00	£17.50	£40.00	£20.00	£42.00	£20.00	£45.00	£20.00
Family Stand	£33.00	£16.50	£38.00	£19.00	£40.00	£20.00	£43.00	£20.00
North Stand Tier 3	£32.00	£16.00	£37.00	£18.50	£39.00	£19.50	£42.00	£20.00
East Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£31.00	£15.50	£33.00	£16.50	£36.00	£18.00
West Stand Lower	£26.00	£13.00	£31.00	£15.50	£33.00	£16.50	£36.00	£18.00

where:
GS = Group Stage

KR = 1st Knockout Round

QF – Quarter Final

SF = Semi Final

A Look at Who’s Who in the First Team Squad

First Team

1. Edwin van der Sar

Date of Birth - 29 October 1979
Position - Goalkeeper

Few players appear to have rivaled Edwin van der Sar in terms of quality and consistency. He is now nearing his 40th birthday and although he was expected to retire internationally after Euro 2008, his contract with Manchester United has been extended until summer 2009.

2. Gary Neville

Date of Birth - 18 February 1975
Position - Defender

Gary Neville has long been recognised as one of Manchester United’s most vocal players. However, this has never stopped him from giving his all in each and every one of his many appearances. He is also one of the few Manchester United players to have captained the team when it won the much-coveted title of Premier League champion.

3. Patrice Evra

Date of Birth - 15 May 1981
Position - Defender

Patrice Evra is one of Manchester United’s frontline defenders. He is known for his energy on the pitch and despite not having scored any goals during the 2007/2008 season, his consistent performance in defence has led to his contract being extended until the summer of 2012.

4.Owen Hargreaves

Date of Birth - 20 January 1981
Position - Midfielder

Manchester United certainly had to work hard to sign on Hargreaves from the German team, Bayern Munich. However, he was certainly worth the long transfer battle; he was named England Player of the Year in January 2007 and is now a central feature of the England midfield.

5. Rio Ferdinand

Date of Birth - 7 November 1978
Position - Defender

Rio Ferdinand has been described as “one of the finest defenders in world football.” Only recently, he captained the team to winning the Champions League title in Moscow. His excellent performance on the pitch ensured that his contract with Manchester United was extended until the summer of 2013.

6. Wes Brown

Date of Birth - 13 October 1979
Position - Defender

Wes Brown has gained great admiration for his quiet determination on the pitch. Growing up locally, he was always a fan of Manchester United and has described it as an “incredible honour” to now play for the team that he had supported all his life. He is expected to continue as part of the team until 2012.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

Date of Birth - 5 February 1985
Position - Winger

Cristiano Ronaldo is easily one of Manchester United’s most famous players and has been described as one of the “best and most dynamic attacking forces in the world.” He has excelled in the last couple of years: his terrific form during the 2006-2007 season won him fourteen different awards, rapidly establishing him as one of the team’s greatest assets. He scored his first ever hat-trick for the team during the 2007-2008 season. He is expected to remain with Manchester United until at least 2012.

Ronaldo is currently involved in a bitter transfer saga involving Manchester United and the Spanish club, Real Madrid. Despite suggesting that they would like to take on Ronaldo, Real Madrid have, however, issued mixed signals on the matter. Manchester United has categorically stated that Ronaldo would remain with the club for the foreseeable future in keeping with his contract. Whilst Ronaldo has indicated that he would like to move to Real Madrid, he has acknowledged that the decision is not in his hands. He is expected to further clarify his position on return from holiday.

8. Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira

Date of Birth – 13 April 1988
Position - Forward

Anderson arrived at Manchester United as a relative unknown. However, since his United debut during the summer of 2007, he has certainly made his mark. He is known, in particular, for his commanding performances on the pitch and is regarded as a potential successor to the mighty Paul Scholes.

9. Louis Saha

Date of Birth – 08 Aug 1978
Position – Striker

Despite Manchester United’s numerous successes during the last two seasons, Louis Saha will certainly look back on the last couple of years with mixed feelings. Football pundits do not doubt his potential. However, he does not appear to have fulfilled it as yet.

10. Wayne Rooney

Date of Birth – 24 October 1985
Position – Striker

Wayne Rooney is probably one of United’s best-known players and has been described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best young player I have seen in my time.” He made his debut at Manchester United in September 2004 and has scored 77 goals since. He found himself the subject of considerable controversy after he received a red card during a World Cup quarter-final tie with Portugal which resulted in a defeat for the English.

11. Ryan Giggs

Date of Birth – 29 November 1973
Position – Midfielder

Ryan Giggs has been one of Manchester United’s most successful players. He has received some eighteen different accolades whilst part of the team as well as an OBE from the Queen. He retired from international football in 2007, but is expected to stay with the team until at least June 2009.

12. Ben Foster

Date of Birth – 3 April 1983
Position – Goalkeeper

Ligament injury prevented Foster from making his debut with Manchester United until March 2008. Team officials have great hopes for him – and he’s certainly a name to look out for in the future.

13. Park Ji-Sung

Date of Birth – 25 February 1981
Position – Midfielder

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Park signed up with Manchester United in July 2005. He received two Premier League winners’ medals in 2007 and 2008. Despite having been left out of Alex Ferguson’s 18-man squad for the Champions League, officials have every confidence that he will be of great importance to the team in the future.

15. Nemanja Vidić

Date of Birth – 21 October 1981
Position – Defender

Vidić was instrumental in orchestrating United’s double success during the 2007-2008 football season. His partnership with Rio Ferdinand formed the heart of United’s defence and, from the perspective of Manchester United’s opponents, was a clear force to be reckoned with. He is expected to remain with the team until his contract expires in 2012.

16. Michael Carrick

Date of Birth – 28 July 1981
Position – Midfielder

Not everyone was pleased when Manchester United decided to sign on Michael Carrick of a massive transfer fee of £18.6 million. However, he soon proved his detractors wrong, as he rapidly displayed his talents as an accomplished midfielder. And whilst Carrick may have only scored three goals during the 2007-2008 season, his all-round contribution to the team this season has gone unquestioned.

17. Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (Nani)

Date of Birth – 17 November 1986
Position – Winger

Nani has been described by former teammates as “an amazing player with a big heart.” Nani signed up with Manchester United in July 2007 for an undisclosed amount and it is hoped that he will one day become as successful as his Portuguese compatriot, Ronaldo.

18. Paul Scholes

Date of Birth – 16 November 1974
Position – Midfielder

Bobby Charlton has described Paul Scholes as a “beautiful player to watch.” Scholes is generally recognised as one of Manchester United’s finest players. He joined the club during its 1990 glory days and was a regular feature on the pitch alongside the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. He now ranks within the top twelve when it comes to scoring goals for the team.

21. Dong Fangzhuo

Date of Birth – 23 January 1985
Position – Striker

Dong is the first Chinese player to have signed up with Manchester United. Despite joining United during the summer of 2004, he did not make his debut with the team until May 2007. It is hoped, however, that he will now feature regularly in United’s first team squad during future seasons.

22. John O'Shea

Date of Birth – 30 April 1981
Position - Defender/Midfielder

John O’Shea is well known for his versatility on the pitch. During the 2007-2008 season, O’Shea took up a multitude of positions, ranging from right and left-back to makeshift striker. He is expected to stay with the team until at least 2012.

23. Jonny Evans

Date of Birth – 2 January 1988
Position – Defender

Jonny Evans’ agility on the pitch is second to none and was clearly evident as he rose to prominence as part of United’s Reserve team. As part of the Reserves, he played 14 matches and scored 2 goals. He has had few opportunities to play with other first team greats but insiders are confident of his potential.

24. Darren Fletcher

Date of Birth – 1 February 2004
Position – Midfielder

Fletcher is often regarded as being the sort of player who will always rise to the occasion, whatever it may be. This was clearly evident during Manchester United’s 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal, when Fletcher orchestrated two crucial goals. He made 24 appearances during the 2007-2008 season.

25. Danny Simpson

Date of Birth – 4 January 1987
Position – Fullback

Simpson’s career with Manchester United underwent a number of important steps during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons as part of the Reserves. He made his debut for the first team against Coventry City in September 2007. He was loaned out to Ipswich Town between March and May 2008.

27. Mikaël Silvestre

Date of Birth – 9 August 1977
Position – Defender

Silvestre is one of Manchester United’s most experienced players. He is also incredibly versatile, being able to take up varying positions such as centre-back and left-back with unparalleled ease. However, his recent career has been marred by injury. Damage to a ligament during the 2007-2008 season has ruled him out of action for a year

29. Tomasz Kuszczak

Date of Birth – 20 March 1982
Position – Goalkeeper

Kuszczak is the latest addition to Manchester United’s goalkeeping department. The Polish international made his debut for the side in September 2007 against Arsenal. Since signing on with the team in 2006, Kuszczak has made 29 appearances for Manchester United.

32. Carlos Tévez

Date of Birth – 5 February 1984
Position – Striker

The Argentinean striker is one of the most formidable of Manchester United’s players. Despite his relatively small stature, at 5’ 7’’, he is capable of effectively shielding the ball from defenders. His prowess on the field has propelled him to considerable success not only with the club but also with his home team. He was instrumental in taking Argentina to Gold during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

33. Chris Eagles

Date of Birth – 19 November 1985
Position – Striker

Eagles’ experience on the Manchester United first team is rather limited. However, he is seen as one of the team’s brightest prospects and is certainly a name to look out for in the future.

38. Tom Heaton

Date of Birth – 15 April 1986
Position – Goalkeeper

Heaton has been fairly successful since joining Manchester United in July 2002. His main triumphs to date have been with the Youth and Reserve branches of the team.

39. Fraizer Campbell

Date of Birth – 13 September 1987
Position – Striker

Born in Huddersfield, Campbell was signed on by Manchester United because of the potential he showed as a young striker. He is known, in particular, for his ability to successfully poach goals from opposing teams.

47. Danny Welbeck

Date of Birth – 26 November 1990
Position – Forward

Welbeck is the youngest player listed as part of Manchester United’s first team. He has been instrumental in engineering many of the successes of the team’s Youth side and was part of England’s Youth squad at the Under-17 World Cup in 2007.

The Chairmen

The current chairmen of Manchester United are Joel and Avram Glazer. They were appointed to these positions by their father, Malcolm Glazer, who took on a controlling stake in the team in May 2005. The chairmen hope to expand the Manchester United brand in Asia, Africa and the United States. However, they have allowed team officials in the UK to maintain significant control over the club’s day-to-day activities such as team selection and general finances.

The Manager

Sir Alex Ferguson’s name is almost synonymous with Manchester United these days. He has been Manager of the side since 1986. During this period, he led the side to several titles, not only in England but in Europe as well.

Sir Alex’s greatest success came during the 1998-1999 season when the team gained the triple honour of becoming Premier League, FA and European champions. Following this outstanding achievement, Ferguson received a knighthood from the Queen. At this point, some of his critics suggested that it was time for him to retire and let someone else take up the reigns of leadership. However, he rejected such suggestions and much to the delight of fans, further titles rolled in for their beloved team under his subsequent leadership. Manchester United’s Champions League title win this season is certainly the icing on the cake for one of football’s most successful managers.