Awayday Guide: Manchester United
This weekend it is Monday night football for the Potters with or without a new Manager – time will of course tell. The daunting task awaits of trying to get a struggling team to pick up some points away to Manchester United. We have indeed been selected for live Sky TV coverage as we look to entertain the nation.
The Red Devil’s currently find themselves in second place on 47 points trailing their City rivals from Beswick by a huge 15 points. United are unbeaten in 5 having won 2 and drawn 3 and will of course be looking to take 3 points on Monday. Their supporters are currently frustrated at recent performances which has prompted away fans and the alike to sing about “ Parking the bus “. Let’s hope they stutter against us on Monday.
Away tickets are priced at £30 for adults, £22.50 for 18-20 year olds, £15 for 16-17 year olds / over 65’s and £10 for under 16’s. We have been allocated 1912 tickets including 12 wheelchair places and we will be housed in the East Stand corner. The free and official coaches will depart the Bet 365 at 1630hrs.
Google maps have advised that the Bet 365 is 47 miles from Old Trafford and should take you 1hr and 17 mins by car. There are a number of potential routes to take including the M6 north and the M56. The A34 or even the A523 are further options as well as picking up the A6 through Stockport – we would recommend the M6. Parking provision is pretty lousy near to the Stadium, you will probably pay over the odds to use a car park.
There are plenty of train services from Stoke on Trent to Manchester Piccadilly and this takes around 33 minutes on the best services (Virgin and Cross Country etc). The last train home leaves just after 11 pm from Manchester. From Piccadilly you can take the tram to Old Trafford which should take around 10 mins. Alternatively you could pay a bit more for a taxi or even walk it in about 40 minutes. After the game the tram will be very busy (back into the City) which can mean a bit of a wait, alternatively you can try and get a bus which are situated at the top of the Matt Busby Way. Be quick though as they fill up fast as United get around 75 thousand supporters for every home fixture.
A pre match drink can be a bit of a challenge especially the pubs near to the Stadium. You simply will not get in if you have any away colours on. Your best bet for a pre match pint would be in Manchester itself however that may not be practical for all. Failing that you can always go to the ground and enjoy a drink and a pie in the concourse. Foot long sausage rolls are priced at £4 and Rollover hot dogs are £4.40 !. There are a number of fast food outlets and shops at the top of the Matt Busby Way along with a Tesco outlet for better value.
We have been advised that the local Police are as fan friendly as any around the country, but would be quick to act should anyone become disorderly. They always have plenty on duty for their home fixtures.
Is it realistic to think we can get something at Old Trafford given our current form and the fact we are Manager less? Dam right it is ladies and gents. Time to batten down the hatches, support our lads like we’ve never supported them before and together we can get out of this mess.
See you Monday. Come on Stoke.
By James Lockett
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