Manchester United Tickets & Matchday Guide
Old Trafford • Manchester
Complete guide to tickets, hotels, transport, and matchday traditions.
How to Buy Manchester United Tickets
Getting tickets to see Manchester United doesn't have to be confusing. This guide eliminates the guesswork by showing you all available options, from official club channels to hospitality packages to resellers, with clear pros, cons, and realistic expectations for each. Whether you want face-value pricing, guaranteed entry, or are willing to pay a premium, we'll help you find the right approach for your budget and match.
Official Manchester United Tickets
United tickets are among the hardest to get in English football. Period. Membership required, ballots for big matches, and even then you're competing with lifelong season ticket holders. Here's the brutal reality.
Quick reality check for visitors:
- • Big matches (Liverpool, City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Champions League): Ballot odds are lottery-level → Hospitality or verified marketplaces are your realistic options
- • Mid-table Premier League: Competitive ballots, possible with membership but no guarantees
- • Cup competitions early rounds: Your best target as a first-time member → Start here to build loyalty points
- • Ticket Exchange releases: Season ticket holder returns appear closer to matchday → Check constantly, members only, face value
The membership + loyalty points system:
- • Membership required (£40/year) just to enter ballots - available tiers: Premium, Official, Under 16, Forwarding
- • Membership doesn't guarantee tickets for anything - it's just your entry ticket to the lottery
- • Ballot priority ranking: Season ticket holders > High loyalty points > New members
- • The catch-22: You need purchase history to build loyalty points, but you need points to win ballots
- • Strategy: Start with cup matches to build points for future seasons
How the ballot system works + when to enter:
- • Ballots open 4-6 weeks before high-demand matches
- • Enter ballot, wait for results, hope you win
- • Loyalty points improve your odds - but first-time members are bottom of the priority list
- • If you lose: Check Ticket Exchange as match approaches (next point)
Ticket Exchange (your last-minute backup plan):
- • Season ticket holders release tickets they can't use - all face value
- • No dedicated platform - released tickets just appear in normal ticket flow on official site
- • Members only, extremely limited availability
- • Check constantly as matchday approaches - this is how locals catch breaks when ballots fail
What's realistically accessible as a visitor:
- • Cup competitions early rounds: Best target for first-time members
- • Mid-table Premier League: Possible through ballot but competitive
- • Top-six derbies/Champions League: Near-impossible through ballots → Go straight to hospitality/marketplaces
- • Ticket Exchange last-minute: Worth monitoring obsessively, but extremely limited
- • Our take: Membership works if you're building loyalty points over multiple seasons. One-time trip? Hospitality and verified marketplaces below
Pricing (when you win the lottery):
- • Category A (High Demand): Budget-friendly tier starting around £59
- • Category B (Most Matches): Similar mid-range tier starting around £57
- • Category C (Low Demand): More accessible starting around £37
- • Still face value - much cheaper than secondary market if you get lucky
The UK Ticket Market Reality
- United enforces ticket policies strictly - unauthorized resale can void tickets
- Official exchange is face value ONLY - anything else violates club policy
- If you're seeing tickets on random sites, it's either a scam or unauthorized
- Unlike some markets, there's no 'legit secondary platform' - it's official channels or hospitality
- Start building loyalty points now if you're serious about future seasons
Manchester United Hospitality Packages
Premium matchday experiences with tickets, dining, and lounge access. Book directly from the club or through official partners. This is JUST the match experience - you handle your own hotel and transport separately.
Official Manchester United Hospitality
Multiple premium lounges with pre-match dining, open bars, executive seating. From standard hospitality to premium VIP experiences. This is how you guarantee entry when ballots are impossible. Luxury tier pricing.
Browse Official Packages →When Hospitality Makes Sense
- Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Champions League - matches where ballots are basically hopeless
- Corporate entertaining or once-in-a-lifetime trips where you can't risk not getting in
- You want guaranteed entry without the ballot lottery
- Book early for big matches - even hospitality sells out
- Expect luxury tier pricing, but you're paying for certainty and the complete Old Trafford experience
Manchester United Ticket Marketplaces
Secondary market platforms with availability for sold-out matches.
⚠️ Important: Ticket resale platforms operate independently of Manchester United. Always use buyer protection. Purchase at your own risk. The club may void tickets purchased through unauthorized resellers.
LiveFootballTickets.com
Specialized football platform with 150% money-back guarantee and transparent pricing focused on European matches.
Browse Tickets →StubHub
Large inventory with comprehensive buyer guarantee protection and established marketplace.
Check StubHub →Marketplace Safety Tips
- Verify buyer protection policies before purchasing
- Compare prices across platforms
- Book through platforms offering full guarantees
- Understand resale may violate club terms
- Be cautious with high-demand fixtures - verify ticket authenticity
Manchester United Travel Packages
All-inclusive options combining premium tickets with accommodation when available. Perfect for visitors planning a complete matchday trip.
SportsBreaks
Official travel partner offering premium tickets and hotel packages when available. Wide selection of Manchester accommodations.
View Packages →When Packages Make Sense
- First-time visitors to Manchester
- Groups wanting everything organized
- Major matches where individual tickets are very expensive
- Guaranteed accommodation near the stadium or central Manchester
Manchester United Matchday Guide
Plan your visit to Old Trafford: the best areas to stay, the most reliable routes on matchday, authentic Manchester United pubs and traditions, and how to fit a stadium tour into your trip. Everything you need for a smooth, local-feeling experience.
Matchday Traditions & Atmosphere
What makes a Manchester United matchday special and unique.
Pre-Match Build-Up
The walk down Sir Matt Busby Way transforms into a sea of red as tens of thousands of supporters converge on Old Trafford hours before kickoff. Street vendors line the approach, selling scarves, programmes, and matchday memorabilia, while fans gather around the statues of club legends (Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, George Best, and Denis Law) paying tribute to those who built the Theatre of Dreams.
Inside Old Trafford
The Stretford End is the beating heart of Old Trafford's atmosphere. This iconic stand, historically the most vocal section of the stadium, leads the chants that reverberate through the Theatre of Dreams. The most famous anthem, "Glory Glory Man United," rings out before kickoff and after victories, its chorus uniting 75,000 voices in one powerful roar. Other legendary chants include "We'll Never Die" (a tribute to the Munich air disaster victims whose memory remains central to United's identity), "United Calypso" (a vintage song from the 1950s), and "I See the Stretford End Arising" (adapted from "Bad Moon Rising").
Post-Match
After the final whistle, the exodus of fans flood into nearby pubs like The Trafford, Bishop Blaize, and others along the tram route to dissect every moment of the match. Other supporters make their way back to Manchester city center via the Metrolink, continuing the match day on packed trams as the adrenaline slowly fades. The statue of the Holy Trinity (Best, Law, Charlton) becomes a gathering point for photos and reflection, while the club megastore stays open for an hour after matches.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive at least 2 hours early to experience the pre-match build-up
- The Stretford End offers the most authentic supporter atmosphere
- Learn "Glory Glory Man United" - it's sung at every match
- Respect the significance of Munich memorials around the stadium
Getting to Old Trafford
Complete transport guide for matchday visitors.
Metrolink Tram (Recommended) (Manchester Metrolink (operated by Transport for Greater Manchester))
• Old Trafford
3-minute walk to stadium | Altrincham line (purple/green) | Most direct route but can be extremely crowded after matches
• Wharfside
5-minute walk | Trafford Park line (red) | Newer station, good alternative to avoid post-match crowds
• Trafford Bar
10-minute walk | Altrincham line | Popular alternative with nearby pubs, less congested after matches
Journey time: 15-20 minutes from Manchester city center (Piccadilly, Victoria, Deansgate stations)
Frequency: Frequent service throughout the day, every few minutes during peak times
Cost: Affordable day tickets available through Bee Network. Under £5 for return journey.
Tips:
- After matches, use Wharfside or Exchange Quay stops to avoid crowds at Old Trafford station
- For Altrincham-bound trams after matches, use Old Trafford stop to reduce congestion at Trafford Bar
From Manchester Airport
- • Direct Metrolink tram to Trafford Bar (approximately 45 minutes), then 10-minute walk to stadium
- • Taxi (20-30 minutes depending on traffic, approximately £35)
- • Train to Manchester Piccadilly (13 minutes), then Metrolink to stadium
Where to Stay for Manchester United Matches
Metrolink makes anywhere in Manchester accessible to Old Trafford - stay near the stadium for matchday immersion or city center for dining and nightlife. Book early for big matches; prices spike hard.
Near Old Trafford Stadium
Hotel Football
100 yards from stadium (directly across the street)
Owned by Manchester United's Class of '92 (Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and others). Football-themed rooms with United memorabilia throughout. Includes Café Football bar and restaurant. The ultimate United fan experience.
Vibe: Mid-range to Luxury | Rating: 4 stars | Matchday notes: Prices significantly higher on matchdays. Book several months in advance for big fixtures. No pitch-view rooms available.
View Hotel →Trafford Hall Hotel Manchester
10-minute walk from stadium
Victorian hotel just steps from Trafford Bar Metrolink station. Full English breakfast available, 24-hour reception, and convenient access to Old Trafford Stadium and cricket ground.
Vibe: Budget-friendly to Mid-range | Rating: 4 stars | Matchday notes: Perfect location with direct tram access. Rooms include TV and tea/coffee facilities.
View Hotel →Salford Quays (10-15 Minute Walk)
AC Hotel by Marriott Salford Quays
Short walk or quick tram ride from stadium
Modern waterfront hotel with craft beer lounge and quality dining. Excellent transport links via tram. Reliable chain quality.
Vibe: Mid-range | Rating: 4 stars | Matchday notes: Good value alternative to stadium hotels with easy access
View Hotel →Holiday Inn Express Salford Quays
Adjacent to Trafford Bar Metrolink station, 10-minute walk to stadium
Reliable chain hotel next to tram stop. Breakfast included. Perfect for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Vibe: Budget-friendly to Mid-range | Rating: 4 stars | Matchday notes: Excellent transport connections make this very convenient
View Hotel →Manchester City Center
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by IHG
20-minute Metrolink ride to stadium
Upscale option in one of Manchester's tallest buildings. Excellent city center location for dining, nightlife, and sightseeing. Premium experience.
Vibe: Luxury | Rating: 5 stars | Matchday notes: Allows combining match attendance with exploring Manchester's vibrant city center
View Hotel →Leonardo Manchester Central
20-minute Metrolink ride via Deansgate or St Peter's Square
Well-located near city center with 260+ rooms. Good for larger groups with easy Metrolink connections to stadium.
Vibe: Mid-range | Rating: 4 stars | Matchday notes: Central location provides access to wide variety of restaurants and bars
View Hotel →Manchester Hotel Strategy
- Book 3-6 months ahead for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea - prices spike insanely
- Hotel Football if you want to roll out of bed into the Theatre of Dreams
- City center = Northern Quarter dining, nightlife, culture; Stadium area = pure matchday
- Metrolink makes everywhere accessible - pick your vibe
- Matchday premiums are real at every tier - expect price increases
Pre-Match Pubs & Atmosphere
Old Trafford pubs get absolutely rammed 2-3 hours before kickoff. Here's where United faithful actually go before the Theatre of Dreams.
The Trafford
Approximately 100m from Old Trafford (closest traditional pub)
Atmosphere: Traditional, Electric matchday energy, Home fans only
Walls covered in Manchester United memorabilia, flags, and historic photos. Multiple bars including outdoor container bar and large main bar for quick service. The closest traditional pub experience to the stadium with authentic supporter atmosphere.
Entry notes: Home fans only. Children welcome. No away colors permitted. Arrive 2+ hours before kickoff to get served quickly as it fills up very early.
More InfoBishop Blaize
5-minute walk from stadium (708 Chester Road)
Atmosphere: Traditional, Loud sing-along, Passionate pre-match singing
Historic United supporter pub with name dating to 15th century. Famous for passionate pre-match singing and traditional matchday atmosphere. Quintessential English pub charm with first-rate beer and pub food.
Entry notes: Show match ticket to enter on big matchdays. Home fans only. Very popular so arrive early.
More InfoCafé Football
Directly across from stadium at Hotel Football (99 Sir Matt Busby Way)
Atmosphere: Modern sports bar, Upscale, Family-friendly
Modern sports bar owned by Class of '92 (Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, etc.). Football-themed menu with dishes named after famous players (Scholesy, Veganaldo, Messi Fries). Lots of memorabilia and big screens. More relaxed than traditional pubs, excellent for families.
Entry notes: No restrictions. Family-friendly atmosphere. More upscale pricing than traditional pubs but premium experience.
More InfoThe Tollgate
Next to Trafford Bar Metrolink station (10-minute walk to stadium)
Atmosphere: Lively matchday crowd, United-focused
Popular with supporters arriving by tram. Easy access before and after match via Metrolink. Historical starting point for supporter marches and protests. Good option for those using public transport.
Entry notes: Generally welcoming atmosphere. Gets busy on matchdays but good transport links make it accessible.
More InfoPub Strategy
- The Trafford and Bishop Blaize are the authentic United experience - but arrive 2-3 hours early or forget it
- Big derbies = match ticket required at traditional pubs, strictly enforced
- Away fans: stay away from traditional United pubs in colors, seriously
- Cash = faster service at outdoor bars, queues are brutal
- 'Glory Glory Man United' anthem to know - you'll hear it everywhere
- City center pubs on Metrolink if stadium pubs are rammed
Old Trafford Stadium Tour & Museum
Behind-the-scenes access to Old Trafford and Manchester United history.
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours plus museum time
Schedule: Daily tours except matchdays and certain event days. Tours run throughout the day.
What you'll see:
- • Players' dressing room with individual player areas
- • Walk through the tunnel to pitchside with matchday sound effects
- • Dugout area (sit in the manager's seat)
- • Sir Alex Ferguson Stand with premium viewing areas
- • Press room and media facilities
- • Three-floor Manchester United Museum with complete trophy collection
- • Interactive exhibits covering club history from 1878 to present
- • Special exhibitions including treble-winning season displays
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible throughout tour and museum. Dedicated British Sign Language tours available. Museum has lift access to all three floors.
Booking Tips
- • Book in advance through official Manchester United website for best availability
- • Tours fill quickly during school holidays and peak tourist season
- • Official Members receive significant discounts on tour tickets
- • Allow at least one additional hour to explore the museum after tour
- • If booking after-hours tours, visit museum before the tour begins
Premium Options
Legends Tour
Guided tour led by former Manchester United player who shares insider stories and personal experiences. Unique perspective and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from someone who played at Old Trafford.
Notes: Limited availability, higher cost, advance booking essential. Often includes meal or hospitality element.
Take To The Pitch
Full stadium tour followed by coaching session on the Old Trafford pitch itself. Rare opportunity to actually play on the iconic turf where legends competed.
Notes: Seasonal offering (check availability). Extremely popular, book well in advance when available.