THE ULTIMATE FOOTBALLING STAGE

Old Trafford is the ultimate football stadium. Given the nickname ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ by Sir Bobby Charlton, it has played host to some of the best players, teams and football contests for almost 100 years.

It became Manchester United’s home in 1910, but suffered extensive damage when it was bombed during World War II in 1941. The Reds relocated to Manchester City’s Maine Road stadium until the rebuilding of Old Trafford was completed in 1949.

The stadium, the largest club ground in Britain, is one of the finest in the world. An incredible 1,705,696 fans watched United play at Old Trafford in season 2005/06. Since work on the expansion of the stadium’s North-west and North-east quadrants was completed in summer 2006, Old Trafford’s capacity has reached in excess of 76,000, making it one of the most atmospheric and historic stadiums in the world.

Like United, the museum has grown from modest origins since it was opened in the South-east quadrant of Old Trafford in 1986. It has since become one of the region’s leading tourist attractions. The new Museum and Tour Centre, situated in the North Stand, was opened by the legendary Pele on 11 April 1998.

Split over three floors, the museum covers every detail of United’s history, including the an array of trophies, from youth team silverware won by the Busby Babes to bigger prizes like the European Cup.

You can also reflect on the tragedy of the Munich air disaster, marvel at United’s greatest players and relive the drama of the 1998-99 Treble season.

So many legends have made the dressing room space their own. The players enter the tunnel before turning left to reach the new changing rooms.

The new dressing rooms were opened in 1993 to replace those underneath the South Stand. Able to accommodate 22 players, the home dressing room contains a spa pool, two small baths, six showers and video facilities.

So many legends have made the dressing room space their own. The players enter the tunnel before turning left to reach the new changing rooms.

The new dressing rooms were opened in 1993 to replace those underneath the South Stand. Able to accommodate 22 players, the home dressing room contains a spa pool, two small baths, six showers and video facilities.

Opposite the dressing room is the Players’ Lounge, a room the players visit after their pre-match meal and again after the match. Here they can relax before the game. One wall features an impressive honours board showing every player to have won an international cap while playing for United. Photos of previous United captains also adorn the wall.

More information at www.manutd.com