Old Trafford
[Background: The home of Manchester United has recently undergone extensive improvments and can now boast a capacity of over 67,000, making it the largest football league ground in England]
The content of this opinion may come as somewhat of a surprise to anyone who knows ... Read review
Advantages: Recent Improvements make Old Trafford the best league ground in the country Disadvantages: Lack of atmosphere sometimes with so few away supporters allowed in
Old Trafford
[Background: The home of Manchester United has recently undergone extensive improvments and can now boast a capacity of over 67,000, making it the largest football league ground in England]
The content of this opinion may come as somewhat of a surprise to anyone who knows me personally, or more specifically anyone at all who knows where my footballing preferences lie.
I am, and have always ... ...supporter who has been to Old Trafford since the recent improvements have been completed.
The first time that I visited Old Trafford in 1996, for the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Aston Villa, I could not fail to be impressed by the immense new three tier stand that had been built at the ground. In those days the capacity was around 55,000, making it by far the largest league ground in the country.
[Background: The home of Manchester United has recently undergone extensive improvments and can now boast a capacity of over 67,000, making it the largest football league ground in England]
The content of this opinion may come as somewhat of a surprise to anyone who knows me personally, or more specifically anyone at all who knows where my footballing preferences lie.
I am, and have always been, a fan of Burnley football club, but with a soft spot for Liverpool FC a team who until recently I would see about four or five times each season at Anfield and cheer the them on as my surrogate team in the six years that I lived in the city.
I am, and probably always will be, a Manchester United hater, and find immense pleasure in seeing them end up on the wrong side of a defeat from just about any other team.
However, United's revamped stadium is surely now the most impressive league ground in England, a fact that can not realistically be disputed by any football supporter who has been to Old Trafford since the recent improvements have been completed.
The first time that I visited Old Trafford in 1996, for the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Aston Villa, I could not fail to be impressed by the immense new three tier stand that had been built at the ground. In those days the capacity was around 55,000, making it by far the largest league ground in the country.
Four years on I recently made another trip to Old Trafford, this time to see Manchester United themselves taking on Bradford City.
The match was a one sided affair with United winning 6-0 with the team showing all the nonchelance that would be expected in an exhibition match.
However, the performance on the pitch was dwarfed when compared to the immense Old Trafford stadium, which now boasted two huge two tier stands behind each goal. These extensions to the existing stands had been built since my last visit and now give an extra dimension to this stadium.
The seats now encapsulate the pitch in a continuous circle rather than many league grounds which tend to have four separate stands.
This provides a fantastic atmosphere when there are 67,500 fans there, as is usually the case. Many berate the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford, and it is true that there are times during a match when the stadium is remarkably quiet, considering the numbers of people who are there. However, the roars that go up for a United goal are booming and leave you in no doubt that you are in a most suitable arena for a football match.
The main disadvantage of the ground is that so few away fans are permitted to be there for league matches. The ideal circumstances to bring out the very best in this stadium would be a cup match when more away supporters are allowed, giving a much improved atmosphere.
I still long for the day when Burnley may play again at this great stadium, taking on the might of Manchester United, preferably in the later rounds of the FA Cup competition. No matter what the result there would be a tremendous atmosphere and a day that the fans of the visiting team would never forget.
If you have not been to this ground recently I can certainly recommend that you catch a match - if you can get a ticket that is!
Advantages: The best team in the world, good facilities Disadvantages: Expensive and busy
I have visited Old Trafford twice in 2 seasons now specifically for the United v City Derby. The ground has good transport links to Manchester via Tram, Bus, Car and "Football special" train. Initially I had some reservations about attending the ground for such a "hard fought" fixture, however the reception of fans and organisation was most excellent. I would recommend catching one of 3 special football trains from Manchester Piccadilly (on match ... ...minutes.... these trains are two commuter style trains that are joined together - arrive totally empty and can generally find space, with some standing, for everyone who is waiting. The train drops you off by the south Stand, which is not far from the away section, major entrances to stands and the club shop. Match days are very well policed, especially this fixture and there is no end of specific club officials in the area of the club shop with ...
jedimasterlincoln 30.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Old Trafford
Advantages: Lots of history for the die hard fans. Disadvantages: Will make you a little bit jealous if you support one of the more struggling teams in the premiership.
...would write an oppinion on Old Trafford. Unfortunatley, one of my area meetings with work was held at Old Trafford, and as a "bonus", my firm decided to include a tour of the stadium! Now I will endeavour to try and not be biased all the way through this review.
On approaching Old Trafford, I can only feel a little bit envious that Everton dont play at Old Trafford, It is awesome. Walking up to the stadium I can understand why all the best players ... ...Building I feel a little humble, but I also realise that this place I have just entered is basically a money making machine. Everywhere you turn, there is an advertisement for numerous different products, from soft drinks to media products and T.V. channels. Even the meeting that I was having would have cost the company at least a thousand pounds, I presume.
1. The Tour:-
We were met by a very polite and loyal Man Utd tour guide. The first thing ...
daylight 10.03.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Old Trafford
Advantages: Large capacity, great facilities, and some of the best fans in the country Disadvantages: Ticket prices too high, and the glory supporters who ruin the image of the club and the atmosphere inside the ground
Old Trafford is england’s finest stadium, and one of the best in Europe. The capacity is 68,217, and with the reconstruction of the main stand to extend over the railway line, this will be pushed up above 82,500. From the outside it doesn’t compare with grounds in Italy and Spain. The United Road and Scoreboard Ends look classy with glass frontages, but the Stretford End and Main Stand are, at best, described as functional. However, inside, ... ...seating and viewing angles are. Old Trafford looks more impressive form inside or from the air than it does form outside, but it still isn’t as impressive as it was before the development of the United Road End when the stands were a complete ring all the way around the ground. Lack of money and problems with access will probably prevent the ‘bowl’ effect from being recreated. The main stand holding 10,000 seats is, ironically, ...
northernlight 10.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Old Trafford
Advantages: An open race for once Disadvantages: They're still there
Old Trafford, home of the champions?
Well, yes, until now, says Hot Footie Tipster in shock prediction that rocks the footballing world in stunning attempt to hijack a category and turn it to his advantage (cos how can you limit your United views to just the one?)
Our correspondent writes....
It’s been quite an unusual season so far in that the accustomed storming away from the pack that we’re so used to see from Manchester United has simply not ... ...against less fancied opponents, the Old Trafford club have quietly and efficiently sneaked their way up into a top three spot behind Leeds And Arsenal. At the start of the season, the experts predicted that the arrival of the big money men, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron, would mark the ascent of United onto a whole new plain. Both the Argentinian and the Dutchmen have demonstrated their undoubted class and value and shown that they ...
dave27 12.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Old Trafford
Advantages: Huge, great atmosphere, comfy seats, safe Disadvantages: Too clinical, expensive food, no big screens, Man Utd play there
...I have come to regard Old Trafford as the home of the Forces of Darkness rather than the Theatre of Dreams. I find the way in which Manchester United have dominated English football in recent years rather galling to say the least, and the arrogance of Ferguson in particular is enough to make me reach for the mute button when he appears on TV.
However, the purpose of this review is not to bring up my personal feelings towards Manchester United, no ... ...that I have visited Old Trafford more times (once) than most Manchester United fans is obviously completely irrelevant as well.
So, obligatory ManUre baiting out of the way, onto Old Trafford...
My first visit to this undeniably impressive stadium was yesterday afternoon. As an Arsenal fan, I was lucky enough to secure a ticket to the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham. Quite frankly, I am still buzzing from the whole experience.
The Stadium ...
redmisty 10.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Old Trafford
Access by public transp...
Parking facilities
Value for money
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