Man United Blog, having brought you the complete history of Manchester United in its eleven part series, covering the period from the 1870s to 2000-onwards, feel that the playing history of the club would not be complete without also considering the history of its famous ground, Old Trafford. This could not be considered at a more pertinent time, when one reads a report from The Sun today saying that Old Trafford will be re-named under a possible sponsorship deal, after Vodafone prematurely ended its deal with the club. The Sun claimed the new sponsor could get its name not only on the players’ shirts but also as an addition to the title of the ground. So to the history…

As the The Sporting Chronicle stated on Saturday 19th February 1910:

“The most handsomest, the most spacious and the most remarkable arena I have ever seen. As a football ground it is unrivalled in the world, it is an honour to Manchester and the home of a team who can do wonders when they are so disposed”

The above words were written on Old Trafford’s opening day in 1910. Manchester United had just moved from their old stadium of Bank Street, Clayton, to a new stadium in the Old Trafford area of west Manchester. Built in 1909, for the then huge sum of GBP60,000 it was terraced on three sides with a seated main stand undercover. The stadium was designed by famous Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, who also designed stands at Hampden Park, Ibrox Stadium and White Hart Lane. In 1911 and 1915 it held the FA Cup final and in 1920 it had its largest ever attendance of 70,504 for a league game against Aston Villa. The FA Cup Semi-Finals of 1939 of Portsmouth vs Grimsby would top that with 76,962. The stadium was heavily damaged in World War 2 and for a while United played at local rivals, Man City’s Maine Road stadium from 1946-1949. Old Trafford was a venue for the 1966 World Cup and also held the 1970 FA Cup Final replay between Chelsea and Leeds. Old Trafford became the first stadium to erect perimeter fencing in the 1970′s to combat crowd disturbances.

Roofed cover was later added to the other three sides of the stadium, however all these stands suffered from obstructed views because of old fashioned roof-post design. In the mid 1960s development of modern cantilever stands began on the north and east of the ground. The new design had terracing at the front and a large seated section behind. Gradually the entire ground was redeveloped in the 70s and 80s, culminating with the Stretford End in 1994. In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, over 58,000 could pack into Old Trafford. However in the early 1990s after the Hillsbrough disaster, the Taylor Report required England’s top teams to become all-seater stadiums. The Old Trafford design master plan of the 1960′s was now complete and the stadium was a perfect bowl, but With United more popular than ever the reduced 44,000 capacity was just too small.

This led to further expansion in 1995-6 with the construction of the giant three-tiered North Stand, holding 26,000 and bringing capacity to nearly 56,000. The North Stand, reaching around 200 feet in height has four lift towers and the largest cantilever roof in Europe. This massive, brooding structure towers over the pitch, intimidating opposing teams. Costing GBP19 million to build it also houses the excellent United Museum (open on non-match days) and glittering trophy room (hopefully always full) as well as the Red Cafe restaurant and two layers of executive “Sky” boxes. The South stand is the main stand at Old Trafford, containing the managers bench area, the directors/ television/ police control boxes and luxury restaurants and executive suites. Here, the seating slopes at a different angle to the rest of the stadium, making it slightly lower than the other stands.

Interestingly, the first 20 or so rows of seats around all four sides of the ground are below street level. The South stand is rarely seen on television as it contains the TV gantry, which looks North. The players tunnel used to be at the centre of this stand but in 1993 it was moved to the South-west corner. The old tunnel still remains and is opened for special occasions and stadium tours. The East Stand is home to the diehard K-Stand United fans as well as the away fans enclosure in the South-East corner and disabled section. It was formerly known as the Scoreboard End, so called because of the large scoreboard that resided until the late 60s, when an electronic one was installed. This scoreboard was recently replaced by two modern electronic scoreboards in each corner of the North Stand. Further building redevelopment added a second tier at the east end in January 2000, making a 61,000 capacity. On the outside is a large tinted glass front, similar to a modern office block. Here stands the Sir Matt Busby Statue, Munich memorial plaque and the famous clock commemorating the Munich air crash on 6th February 1958. Its also the location of the huge Manchester United Megastore where every type of club merchandise is available.

The west side of the ground for many, will always be known as the legendary Stretford End. In the days before all-seater stadia the Stretford End was a heaving mass of almost 20,000 standing United fans who were amongst the loudest in Britain. It was once measured that the roar from the crowd was louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off. The old terrace was replaced in 1993 and in August 2000 a second tier of seating was added here, bringing a total capacity of 67,750. The West Stand holds the Family seating area and beneath the corner is the players dressing rooms/tunnel and lounge. It also has a statue of 60′s striker Denis Law in the upper concourse – Law was known as “The King of The Stretford End”.

Old Trafford was a Euro 96 venue and is now an annual host for the FA Cup Semi-final. Many claim the atmosphere at Old Trafford is not as good as it once was, ironically it is the legend of the Old Trafford atmosphere that has brought the tourists yet they are partly responsible for its decline. Sir Alex Ferguson has often complained about the lack of singing and low noise levels, therefore the new upper West Stand tier has designated singing areas to try and recreate the days of old. The long-term plan for the stadium is to rebuild the South stand in a similar style to the North and fill in the corners to make a whopping 90,000. Possible hindrances to further enlargement are the nearby Bridgewater Canal and railway track which restrict space around the stadium. There are currently no plans for any more expansion work in the immediate future.

Old Trafford is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most famous sporting arena’s in the world. In an era where many clubs are moving from their traditional homes and although down the years it has changed beyond all recognition, the magic of Old Trafford will always remain. On a big match day or European night the atmosphere is as good as any venue in world football. The Theatre of Dreams (as Bobby Charlton named it) is the biggest club ground in Britain and a fitting home for the world’s most famous football club.

The history and development of this infamous football ground is covered in some excellent books which you can find at The Ji Sung-Park Online Shop. You can also buy some wonderful Old Trafford memorabilia through one of our sponsors: Kitbag

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When earlier today the news was announced that Michael Owen the legendary Manchester United number 7, previously worn by ManUtd legends Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, I shuddered. Was one of our most traditional and important numbers in the history of Old Trafford going to a Scouser?

But quickly I remembered that this was a sign of Alex Ferguson’s confidence in Owen, just like he handed the number 7 to Ronaldo straightly upon arrival. The gaffer obviously has mellowed, even though we all know that he still wants ManUtd to win most League titles in history, more than Liverpool FC.

Two seasons ago Wayne Rooney was handed another legendary ManUtd number 10, Denis Law’s favourite number. Does this partnership have the potential to become a legendary one? The #7 and #10 partnership, the most feared striker tandem for every defense in England and Europe?

In other news, you can now also follow Manchester United Blog on Twitter.

Tags:   History · owen · SAF · Squad

 JOHN DOHERTY (1935-2007)

One of the former members of Busby’s Bees John Doherty sadly died on 13 Nov.Not much information about how he played but was praised and considered to be an integral part of 1955′s glory team. My thoughts and deep condolences goes out to all his love ones.

Tags:   JOHN DOHERTY · Manchester united

After a not to brilliant prem start for us, we finally got our first win on Sunday. But the month of August 2007 continues to be a somber month for ManUtd and its fans.

Yesterday a legend retired. The legend who won us the Champions League in 1999, scoring the 2nd goal, 3 minutes in injury time against Bayern Munich. Thank you, Ole Gunnar Solskjær (20)!

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Wayne Rooney is set to join the ManU legends next season. Wayne will wear the legendary number 10, last worn by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The number 10 was United Legend Denis Law‘s favourite number and now the honour to wear the number 10 jersey comes to Wayne Rooney, our biggest talent.
Wayne obviously is honoured to endorse the legendary ManUtd. #10.

When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it

Tags:   Legends · Rooney · RVN

For Sir Alex Ferguson, obtaining the Champions League Cup is the next stop for the United Reds. While they fell short due to injuries to a couple of their players, it is obvious that the team is headed in that direction and only time will tell. After talks of impending player transfers coming their way and leaving enough time for the healing period to its key players, it will be all systems go in the coming months as the United Reds will be once again in harness.

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The Reds have proven to be a team to reckon with despite the various obstacles that the team has faced. Getting that far with what they have is an accomplishment that Ferguson has readily appreciated and lauded. One can just think of what would become of the Reds team once all players are up and about. A scary thought for their opponents and a wondrous one for Ferguson and company.

[tags]manchester united, alex ferguson, united reds[/tags]

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For Wayne Rooney, being a part of the United Reds team for the past years and bowing to Chelsea for the elusive Premiership title is a task accomplished after three tries. Nothing beats the feeling of triumph and success and for Rooney, cherishing and finally lifting the Premiership title is the sweetest part of his career.

After going through rough and tough competition, the hard work has finally paid off for Rooney and his Reds team. While there are still forthcoming tournaments that they will be facing, Rooney just like his other teammates would just want to savor the moment for now.

“There’s no greater feeling out there. It’s fantastic. It’s brilliant but really hard to explain. I’m absolutely delighted, I can’t put into words, it’s unbelievable.” “It’s a massive tournament for us to win,” said Wayne.

“We’ve had 38 tough games so to come out on top of that league is great for us. Hopefully we won’t have to wait for another four years to win it again.” – Rooney: No greater feeling

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The United Reds are again on top after winning the Premiership trophy and no other than Sir Alex Ferguson was at the head of the pack, thanking everyone from the fans to the players for another memorable season. After going through tumultuous ups and downs that included injuries and issues surrounding the ability of the team to win, all were laid to rest as the Reds hoisted the Premiership trophy at Old Trafford.

“It’s been a fantastic season for our club, for every one of us,” he said, addressing the United fans. “The supporters, the staff, these lads (the players), I can’t speak highly enough of them. It’s been a wonderful year and we thank you for your support. We hope now that we can add to it next season.”

“I’m already looking forward to next season,” he added. “Let’s get on with it. I’m looking forward to this young team developing, maturing and going onto to win a European trophy as well as pushing for the league.” – Boss hails wonderful year

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In the same way that Chelsea experienced the same ovation for their brave effort in 2005, the same was now in turn given to the United Reds in their 0-0 standoff with Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge Pitch. It is a fact that the Reds are ailing and paying tribute to the heroic efforts by the left players emphasizing on team play lead by Wes Brown, there is nothing better than to receive due recognition for the efforts of the remaining players of the powerhouse club.

Defense was the name of the game between the match of the Reds and Chelsea and this was typified as both failed to score a goal for the tight defense both teams applied. Chelsea had a change to score a goal in the end game, but thanks to the combined efforts of the Reds’ players, they were able to hold off any offensive from Chelsea.

“It was a difficult game for us,” he added. “Both sides didn’t play their strongest teams, but we have come out with a respectable draw.

“It was [a strange game]. There was a few lads in from the reserves and some players played out of position. We’ve not played together all season, so to come to Chelsea we had to play well. I thought we relly stuck together.

“Chelsea put a lot of pressure on us towards the end of the game. It looked like they might nick a goal at the end, but we managed to hold on and kept on defending.” –Wes Brown: Wes praises Blues gesture

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The charity match between the United Reds and Marcelo Lippi�s Europe IX drew praises from all throughout, led by Sir Alex Fergusson calling it a �fantastic success�. The match was held in celebration of the 50th year of United in European competition. United went up against a selection of the finest players in the game today which was won by United 4-3 thanks to the efforts of Wes Brown and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The match drew praises as well from former Italy World Cup winning coach Lippi, who stated that the match was fitting to celebrate 50 years of joint celebration since the Treaty of Rome.

There was no pressure at all for everyone on hand as the atmosphere was totally relaxing. Fans, both young and old got treated to a classic match of football on a different level. Fans and players on hand played their part in making the event memorable and certainly it would be one that would be best remembered for years to come.

[tags]united reds, rome, europe, football, soccer[/tags]

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