WELCOME TO OLD TRAFFORD
THE HOME OF MANCHESTER UNITED
People often ask me what it is that makes Manchester United so special. When I played for the club Sir Matt Busby always used to say that the lad who works on the factory shop floor, but finds it boring, wants excitement in his free time... that when he goes to football at the weekend he wants excitement. He therefore used to tell us that we therefore had a responsibility to entertain. It is a philosophy that has continued right through until today and that has made the club popular the world over.
In my role as a club director I'm lucky enough to travel all over the world as a club ambassador. I've seen how much the club means to its supporters; it's an enduring appeal based on rich traditions and a unique history that encompasses excitement, tragedy and glory.
During this virtual tour you'll get a taste of the history of Manchester United, and move a little closer to understanding just why the club has touched the hearts of so many. Enjoy your visit.
Sir Bobby Charlton
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.
THE MUSEUM
AN EXPERIENCE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE HEART OF THE CLUB
Welcome to the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre, an in-depth and interactive guide to the history of the club.
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.
DUGOUT
THE VIEW FROM THE BENCH
The original entrance to the Old Trafford turf saw the players emerge underneath the centre of the South Stand. Old Trafford's old tunnel - which was used until 1993 - is the only remaining part of the original stadium, having survived the World War Two bombing which flattened the rest of the ground.
The current elevated 'dugout' area, in the centre of the South Stand, provides a prime vantage point for Sir Alex Ferguson and his team, within touching distance of the touchline and all the action.
The dugout area features seats for the substitutes and backroom team and also has under-floor heating to keep the players warm on cold Manchester nights.
THE GREATEST
FOOTBALL STORY EVER TOLD
The story of Manchester United is unlike any other club in the world. Beginning more than a century ago, it combines eras of total English and European domination with some of the greatest adversity faced by any football club.
Only at the Manchester United Museum & Tour can you experience the story in all its glory, and immerse yourself in a legend still being made.
Only at the Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre can you see the stadium through the eyes of Manchester United greats themselves on the Old Trafford tour. Or get even closer to the world of Manchester United and share 130 years of football in the award-winning Museum.
Whether you’re a Manchester United fan or not, a visit to the Museum & Tour Centre is a day to remember!
The Museum also offers a range of education programmes for students of all ages
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CUSTOMER NOTICE: On 7th June the Old Trafford pitch will be skimmed and no grass will be visible until early July. Also, the Players Tunnel will be out of Action with NO exceptions from 2pm on the 6th June until the 14th June. Then from the 24th June until the 9th July again with NO exceptions (this includes disabled visitors). The tunnel will then be put out of action from the 11th July until the 14th July. The reason for this is essential Pitch and Tunnel Maintenance.