Old Trafford, Manchester Review

Overall Rating

The design of the roof is such that it keeps noise in the stand meaning it's really loud within the stand if everyone sings but the noise is kept in and the sound doesn't travel well at all. Consequently if the Stretford End start a song K Stand don't really join in til it's almost over! The sheer size of the stadium means different sections of stands can be singing different songs at the same time which can drown each other out. God knows what it sounds like on the pitch!

United fans are generally pretty knowledgeable about football and there is a very diverse mix of men women old and young but they are pretty spoilt in terms of being used to success and often it takes a goal or fantastic performance to get them going. They expect to be entertained. They are definitely not spoilt when it comes to catering. The food and drinks kiosks are dreadful. The range of refreshments is very limited, tasteless over priced and usually sold out . Even worse are the staff serving you. They are so slow that you will queue for 15 minutes. The staff have no sense of urgency, wander round aimlessly looking bewildered, they are unhelpful, unfriendly and you have never met anybody struggle to count out your change likes these guys can. Buy you food outside the ground - everybody else does.

Traditionally through the 80s and 90s United and Liverpool were some of the cheapest tickets in the league despite being the most successful and best supported clubs. All this has changed since the Glazers took over and prices have since rocketed. It's not a cheap day out but well worth it.

Old Trafford is a large and modern stadium yet still manages to be fairly compact which helps with good views and can contribute towards a good atmosphere. Atmosphere does depend on who is playing, when, and most importantly which stand you sit in. It looks really impressive as you approach the ground from any direction. It looks smart, modern and imposing although, since its expension to 76000 the noise does not travel to outside the ground so you cannot her the singing as you approach like you could in the past. Sit in the Streford End (aka West Stand) on a Eurpoean night and hear the noise as you climb the many stairs, be amazed as the singing continues on the concourse and the roof is raised even in the toilets! This is the traditional stand of the United supporters. Ascend into the heights of the stand and you'll be buzzing. The opposite East stand is 2nd best for singing but not as loud. However, for the best views of the pitch you want to be in the North Stand, preferably near to one of the goal ends for increased atmosphere. Don't sit in the South Stand (where the dugouts are) unless you have taken a vow of silence. Its family friendly, women friendly and very safe. I've never seen any trouble and racism won't be tolerated by United regulars.

Great Ground, Great Club ,Great fans, Great football but go elsewhere for a decent pie.