Old Trafford is arguably the most famous, and elegant ground within British sport, and despite your allegiances to your club, you have to be in awe of Old Trafford. From getting your first glimpse of Old Trafford, to when you get up quite close, the home of the Red Devils is a huge impressive complex, and holds a massive 76,212 fans.
There are some drawbacks at Old Trafford though. Away fans are seated in the East Stand Lower Tier, and the first thing that you notice when you take your seat is that the ground/pitch looks a lot smaller than it does on the telly! It does come as a bit of shock and God knows what the poor sod's right at the back of the North and West stands must see.
Getting away from the ground is a complete nightmare. Despite saying that Old Trafford Tram stop is near the ground, it is a good 10 minute walk from Old Trafford. The police and officials keep you back, as I witnessed for myself for 15-20 minutes after the match until the entire home supporters have dispersed. Couple this with the agonising wait for the Tram, I missed my train going back home! It took me an hour and a half to get back to Manchester Piccadilly Station, and probably has been one of the most frustrating journey's back I have experienced. If you are traveling from far a field by train, then to leave at least 2 hours to make sure that you can get back on time to the station, rather than clock watch.
The match day programme is one of the plushest match day publications I have come across, and is very well put together.
The new East Stand Megastore is open between 9.30am to 6.00pm Mon-Sat and 10.30am to 4.30pm on a Sunday, and is the largest in the country with a floor area of 17,000 square feet! Call the megastore on 0870-111-8107 for more information.
Located within the North stand is the 'Red Cafe' (0161-868-8303). This is a Manchester United theme restaurant, but this is obviously very busy on match days. Like other large premiership clubs there is also a club museum and guided tours of the ground (...both at a cost).