Old Trafford: 100 Years at the Home of Manchester United: The Official Story



In the Edwardian era, Manchester was the workshop of the world and its leading football club, Manchester United, was one of the best in the land. Unfortunately, its stadium at Bank Street did not reflect its aspirations. So the directors took the brave decision to build a spectacular new stadium to reflect the club's, and the city's, status. On 19 February 1910, Old Trafford was open for action. Ian Marshall tells the astonishing story of the hundred years that followed. From early triumph, through inter-war depression, Old Trafford saw it all. But when the ground was twice bombed during the Second World War, its entire future was in question. However, under the inspirational managership of Matt Busby, both the team and the ground were rebuilt, and a new era of dominance was ushered in in the 1950s, only for United to be once again struck down by Munich. Speaking to players, employees and fans from across the years, as well as original research into the United archives, Marshall explains how Old Trafford has remained central not just to United but to the fortunes of an entire city. Old Trafford is the definitive story of an iconic venue.

Has Wayne Rooney had his day?

Fat Boy Rooney
Have we seen the best of Wayne Rooney, and does this picture show what we can expect of him from now on? Or will the Manchester United star regain his former brilliance once again?

Paul Scholes - A true Red Devil

Paul Scholes: True Red Devil

With the retirement of Paul Scholes, one of the finest attacking midfield players of the Premier League era has brought his glittering career to a close. The Manchester United star was undoubtedly a fine exponent of the beautiful game's more attractive craft, his passing and vision on the pitch was class apart. Scholes justified the hype as he went on to become one of the most gifted players England has ever produced.

Shy off the pitch, devastating while on it, Paul Scholes' life was spotless and his career was a lesson to all aspiring and young footballer on how to gain greatness and stay at the top.

Even the French legend Zinedine Zidane said, "My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. He's almost untouchable in what he does. You rarely come across the complete player, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get."

At Wembley in the Champions League final, Barcelona players ran up to him to swap their shirts. As many as five Barcelona players were eager to swap shirts. Xavi, Busquets, Pedro and Messi walked up to Scholes, but it was Iniesta who beat them all to it.

A true legend - A true Red Devil.

The Beauty of the Old Stretford End

The Beauty of the Old Stretford End
What a beautiful little picture this is. It shows the full glory of the old Stretty End from the United Road stand (now the North Stand).

Paul Scholes: My Story


Paul Scholes: My Story

Paul Scholes is one of the most revered footballers of the modern era, both at home and internationally. A one-club player, he has served Manchester United for more than sixteen years, making over 600 appearances in that time, the fourth highest number of appearances by any player for the club. He also represented the England national team for seven years, winning 66 caps including two World Cup and two European Cup campaigns. Throughout this time, Scholes has always played a decisive role in his teams' fortunes. As well as the technical brilliance that makes Paul Scholes such a breathtaking player to watch it is the determination and integrity which he demonstrates both on and off the pitch that means he is a fascination to fans of the sport. In an age of overpaid, workaday players, Scholes has become an icon of professionalism and club loyalty, admired by fans everywhere. Now in this book for the first time Paul Scholes shares his story: from his beginnings at United under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson as part of the 'golden' youth team, to the treble-winning season and twice capturing European Cup glory, the importance of family and friends in keeping his feet on the ground, as well as his many triumphs and tribulations with England. This is without question the sports autobiography of 2011, from a player as popular and as revered as any in the game today.

David Beckham V Pitch Invader


David Beckham was preparing to take a corner kick late in Gary Neville's testimonial match at Old Trafford. He was interrupted by an small pitch invader, who was clearly enjoying every second of his time in the limelight as he ran circles round stewards on the hallowed turf.

Manchester United Season Review 2010/11



Relive every game and every goal of Manchester United's historic 19th League title-winning season with the spectacular new Manchester United Season Review 2010/11, a must-have memento for every fan of the Red Devils.
Fantastic footage and exclusive interviews bring to life a wonderful season that saw Sir Alex's men fight off challenges from local rivals Manchester City, defending champions Chelsea and Arsène Wenger's Arsenal to clinch their 19th League title, overtaking Liverpool to become the most decorated club in English football.

As well as Premier League glory, the 2010/11 season also saw red flags flying high in Europe, with Manchester United overcoming Chelsea, Rangers, Valencia, Bursaspor, Marseilles and Schalke to reach their third UEFA Champions League final in four years. Manchester United Season Review 2010/11 celebrates a season that had everything, from Hernández's instant impact and Rooney's 100th Premier League goal to a thrilling derby victory over Man City that included Rooney's stunning overhead kick. It also includes vintage performances by the evergreen Giggs , Van der Sar and highlights from the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

Manchester United Champions Trophy

Manchester United Champions Trophy 2011

Alex Ferguson led the celebrations along with his wife and grandchildren, after his team claimed a record 19th league win.

United captain Nemanja Vidic said "It's a special day for us and the fans to give them this today."

Manchester United manager Alex said "Anyone criticising this team was being ridiculous. All that nonsense about this not being a great United team. It's a great feat. We had some disappointing performances away but at home we've been fantastic."

Relive every game and every goal of Manchester United's historic 19th League title-winning season with the spectacular new Manchester United Season Review 2010/11 - UK Link, a must-have memento for every fan of the Red Devils.

USA Official Manchester United Gifts

Old Trafford Champ19ns

Old Trafford Champ19ns
This is how Old Trafford looked for Manchester United's final game of the 2010/2011 season. The Champ19ns mosaic was highlighted on the North Stand.

Man Utd Champions 19 Scarf

Manchester United Gifts

Manchester United v Barcelona - Last Three Minutes


Manchester United's European Cup Semi Final Second Leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford on 29th April 2008

The final 3 minutes of this great game were captured on video. Watch as the fans wait anxiously for the final whistle. A stunning goal from Paul Scholes gave Manchester United a famous 1-0 win over Barcelona.

Stretford End Ticker Banner Gone

Stretford End Ticker Banner
The famous banner hanging from the Stretford End at Old Trafford showing the number of years since Manchester City last won a trophy has been removed. It's a very sad day for Stretford Enders, but do not worry, a new version will be up for the Blackpool home game on Sunday, when Manchester United lift their 19th League Championship trophy. Manchester City should hang their heads in shame, when they compare themselves to United's glorious football history.

19 (Manchester United Version)



N-n-n-n-n-nineteen. Paul Hardcastle's Vietnam song 19, has become Manchester United's new anthem. Be sure to sing it when you meet any Liverpool fans. In the video you can see all 19 of United's great Championships.

Man United fans have mounted an internet campaign to send Paul Hardcastle's 1985 hit 19 to No1 in the charts!

Manchester United 4 Benfica 1 (1968 European Cup)



Did You Know?

Manchester United became the first English team to win the European Cup (1968), as Matt Busby's boys battered the Portuguese champions, on a glorious night at Wembley.

The scorer of United's third goal in the final, Brian Kidd, was celebrating his 19th birthday that day.

Denis Law (The Stretford End King), was unable to play because of a knee injury and had to watch the match on television in hospital.

George Best was named European Footballer of the Year in 1968. It was 40 years until another United player claimed the award, when Cristiano Ronaldo won it in 2008.

Manchester United 19 Liverpool 18

Manchester United 19 Liverpool 18

Champions 19 Times

This M6 Motorway sign says it all. Manchester United 19 Liverpool 18. Follow the signs and you will be on your way home to the Champions. Only 19 miles to paradise!

Sir Alex Ferguson tries to play it down, but he finally has "knocked Liverpool off their perch". That's no easy feat considering the League title score was only 18-7 when he took over at Manchester United.

Manchester United Champions of England No.19

Manchester United Champions of England No.19
Dream No.19 for Alex Ferguson and his Red Devils. The Stretford End salutes the United immortals.

Manchester United 3 Barcelona 0 (21st March 1984)



Old Trafford on European nights was and still is a unique and intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.

About this video:
Manchester United were trailing 2-0 in the Cup Winners Cup quarter final against Barcelona. On the 21st March 1984, a roar from the capacity crowd at Old Trafford of 58,350 greeted both teams as they walked onto the pitch for the second leg. On that magical European night Manchester United battered Barcelona and won the game 3-0. In this video you can see some great footage of the old Stretford End and old Scoreboard End in action.

I Was Born In The Stretford End

You sing this classic Stretford Ender's song to the tune of "I Was Born Under A Wandering Star"

I was born in the Stretford End,
I was born in the Stretford End,
Boots are made for bootin',
Scarves are made to wave,
If you see a City fan,
You put him in his grave.

I was born in the Stretford End,
I was born in the Stretford End,
Do you know where hell is?
Hell is at Maine Road,
Heaven's when United go there,
To score a load of goals.

I was born under the Stretford End,
Georgie was made to dribble,
Bobby was made to pass,
Denis was there to stick one in,
We've scored a goal at last.

I was born in the Stretford End,
The Stretford, Stretford End.