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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Many might be thinking that this leg is far from over.It wont even be exciting.But the twist to this tale has been made from the Boro’ match.We are going to see a far better match than Boro’ and by far will go into one of the most exciting matches of season. Roma are without their star Totti but there are more things to worry about us.They are making sure that they are utlizing every oppurutinity they can have and will try to shake things up.They know how easy it can be to penetrate United’s defense without Vidic and Ferdinand and we are sure that they won’t miss with this.

If we still to few plans we still can make it out easy Continue reading »

Tags:   Champions League · Giggs · Manchester united · Roma · Ronaldo

In my last post, we discussed who could be the possible one replacing Ferguson after United got pushed out by Pompey.Talking to be honest I never doubted Ferige in past.After watching United fail from 2004 i thought its never going to be our time.Wenger almost filling up with all muscles Africans and Chelsea on their rampage of hunting any possible player who could gain them advantage.

But after all these harsh going and tough years,Alex Ferguson did manage to spring back Continue reading »

Tags:   alex ferguson · Carlos · Manchester united · Queiroz

After weeks of speculations regarding his colorful career, now former Welsh captain Ryan Giggs finally called it quits after playing his final game with a draw against Chelsea. Giggs had the chance to exit in style but his trademark goal failed to hit its mark. Giggs exited to a standing ovation and passed on the armband to Craig Bellamy.

Giggs will no longer be around when his team faces the Czech Republic. Giggs will sorely be missed and remembered for all his contributions and memorable part in the Manchester United organization.

“Obviously it’s been emotional this week, saying goodbye to everyone,” Giggs said after the game. “I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been great and I wish the lads all the best in the future. It was a shame I couldn’t have gone off with a win but the fans have been great from day one right to the end.” – International Reds in Action

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The sad thing about enjoying the game of football is seeing players giving it their all, regardless of whom they are playing for. But for Ryan Giggs, the choice to make a stand on whether to continue to play competitively and satisfy all his teams or focus on one league only is expected to be the major part of his expected announcement regarding the international scene.

From all indications, this season’s Euro 2008 Qualifiers seem to be his last hurrah and Welsh will be deeply saddened by his departure. Playing for the United Reds alone has its own share of wear and tear on the body and its mental aspect and Giggs is expected to stick with the Reds to uphold the winning tradition until his last game is played.

It is truly nostalgic to hear such developments but some people just have to decide on up to what extent their bodies and minds can sustain the abuse it can receive to maintain the competitive level they are known for.

[tags]manchester united, united reds, welsh, ryan giggs[/tags]

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After a successful year for the United Reds, Sir Alex Ferguson is not taking his team’s chances lightly for the upcoming season. After Omar Hargreaves had been openly publicized as joining the Reds next season, Ferguson is still looking for other available players in the market.

Among the players being mentioned around the rumor mill includes that of Mark Viduka from Middlesbrough, Fernando Torres, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Samuel Eto’o, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov.

The players mentioned are certified marquee players that can certainly make an impact to the United Red’s cause next year. The target positions being eyed to be filled up are a striker, a full-back and a winger. Based on the available talent outside the names tipped to be on the transfer block, Sir Alex Ferguson is sure to come up with another winning roster to uphold the United Reds winning tradition for the coming season which promises to be another banner year for his team.

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

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After some months of negotiation, former Bayern Munich Midfielder has been reported to finally realize his dream of being a United Red. Owen Hargreaves, the 26 year old midfielder is set to join the roster after Club President Beckenbauer confirmed that their prized midfielder had asked out to join the Reds club. No details were disclosed regarding other reasons but all point towards a more promising future as well as financial benefits among the primary reasons of Hargreaves’ departure.

With the done deal, Hargreaves is expected to sign a 4 year deal with the newly crowned champions and further bolstering the multi-talented lineup of the United Reds.

It has been no secret that Hargreaves has been aching to join the United Reds but his mother team has been against the idea for the sake of the Bayern Munich ball club competency in the major tournaments. But all that has changed and further updates will sure to come in the coming days.

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The elements are there and with their accomplishment detailed right before them, everything seems to be in place for the current stars of the United Reds team towards impending superstardom. However, it takes more than just one championship to categorize them in the legendary status that they are aiming for. Winning tradition is the key and for Dutch Stopper Edwin van der Sar, this is achievable.

“You do not become a legend overnight – you have to win things over a long period,” insists van der Sar. “The players have shown their ability this season. Every game has been important for us and we’ve shown we have been up for every one.

“Every player selected for Saturday or Tuesday or Wednesday has had to perform and we have not had to carry any one.

“Chelsea were so well ahead in the previous seasons. But this season, we have been playing well enough to cope with anything that has been put in our way.

“The squad is well positioned to achieve something special,” adds the 36-year-old. “It takes a long time to work towards something like this but now the team must go on.

“It is not just about winning something once but two or three times and that is the challenge.” – Starlets can become legends

Hence to sum it all up, it is for the current roster of the United Reds to gain or lose. Everything is under their hands.

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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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