Old Trafford stadium guide
The home of Manchester United: its history, landmarks and how to get there.
A short history of Old Trafford
Old Trafford opened in February 1910, designed by the Scottish architect Archibald Leitch after Manchester United outgrew their earlier ground at Bank Street in Clayton. From the start it was built to impress, with room for around 80,000 supporters.
In March 1941 the stadium was badly damaged by German bombing during the Second World War. For eight years United shared Manchester City's Maine Road ground, returning to a rebuilt Old Trafford in August 1949. Since then it has been extended and modernised many times and now holds around 74,000, the largest club stadium in the United Kingdom.
Sir Bobby Charlton christened it the "Theatre of Dreams", a name that has followed the ground ever since.
Stands and landmarks
- The Stretford End, the famous home end behind the goal where the most vocal supporters gather.
- The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, named in 2011 in honour of the club's most successful manager.
- The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, the South Stand, renamed in 2016 for the Munich survivor and World Cup winner.
- The Munich clock and memorial plaque on the south-east corner, remembering those who died in the 1958 air disaster.
- The United Trinity statue outside the ground, honouring George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.
- The Sir Matt Busby statue on Sir Matt Busby Way.
Big occasions at Old Trafford
- Matches at the 1966 World Cup and at Euro 96.
- The 2003 UEFA Champions League final.
- Olympic football at London 2012.
- The opening match of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
How to get to Old Trafford
Old Trafford is about three miles south-west of Manchester city centre. On matchdays the Metrolink tram runs to Old Trafford and Exchange Quay, and the Manchester United Football Ground railway station is the closest station to the stadium. Many supporters also walk from Deansgate or Salford Quays. Roads around the ground are restricted before and after matches, so allow extra time and check the latest travel advice before you go.
Manchester World is an independent fan site. For tickets, hospitality and stadium tours, please use the club's official website.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Old Trafford?
Old Trafford is on Sir Matt Busby Way in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester (postcode M16 0RA), about three miles south-west of Manchester city centre.
What is the capacity of Old Trafford?
Old Trafford holds around 74,000 spectators, making it the largest club football stadium in the United Kingdom.
When did Old Trafford open?
Old Trafford opened in February 1910. It was badly damaged by German bombing in March 1941, and United played home games at Manchester City's Maine Road until returning in 1949.
Why is Old Trafford called the Theatre of Dreams?
The nickname was coined by Sir Bobby Charlton, who described the ground as a theatre of dreams. It has stuck ever since.
How do I get to Old Trafford on matchday?
The Metrolink tram runs to Old Trafford and Exchange Quay, the Manchester United Football Ground railway station is the closest station on matchdays, and many fans walk from Deansgate or Salford Quays. Check the latest travel advice before you go, as matchday services and road closures change.
Where do I buy tickets or book a stadium tour?
Manchester World is an independent fan site, so for tickets, memberships and stadium tours please use the club's official website.