Untied in the news

Gary Neville: Liverpool don't deserve to be in the Champions League (Daniel Taylor, The Guardian)

"Well, you get what you deserve as a team, don't you?" the former England international replied when it was pointed out to him that Benítez's team would not be joining United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the knockout phase. More.

Vidic dismisses claims that he is unhappy at Old Trafford (Simon Stone, The Independent)

"I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that." More.

Vidic deal delay alerts Barca (Neil Custis, the Sun)

Nemanja Vidic has been told to forget about a new contract until 2011.
And that could spark a summer move to Barcelona. More.

Liverpool and Tottenham on alert as former Manchester United striker admits he'd like to return to England (Nick Ive, The Mirror)

Former Manchester United flop Diego Forlan would relish a return to the Premier League. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson has title in his sights as Manchester United's rival stars set to miss 10 games on African adventure (Ian Ladyman and Matt Barlow, Daily Mail)

The Old Trafford manager will be licking his lips at the prospect of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal heading for a club-versus-country row over FIFA rules which could see them lose players to the Africa Cup of Nations from the end of December – much longer than was first thought. More.

Heavy rain for Portsmouth trip

According to the BBC, there will be heavy rain in Fratton when United take on Portsmouth. The temperature will be roughly 9C/48F

Portsmouth pub guide

In truth, a 15:00 kick off probably won't give you much time to enjoy a pre-match pint, but for those of you that are looking for a tipple, here a few suggestions.

The pub that will get most packed out with reds is The Shepherd’s Crook, at 107 Goldsmith Avenue. It's a five-minute walk to the ground.

It's got one fairly large main room with standing room only and the bar staff serve pretty quickly.

It opens at 11:30am and will probably pack out by about 13:30, so expect to be out in the cold in the front 'beer garden' if you arrive after that.

Carling and Carlsberg costs £2.80 a pint, Stella is £3.20 and Guinness is £3.10.

If you fancy somewhere a bit quieter, venture a little further from the ground to the Brewers Arms, at 170 Milton Road.

It's a small, welcoming pub, with sandwiches for sale behind the bar
You can choose from Stella, Kronenberg, Guinnness. Carlsberg and Fosters. It also offers London Pride and bottled Becks and Peroni.

Also near the ground is Good Companion, at 2 Eastern Road, which attracts both home and away fans in two large rooms.

There's a big screen TV for anyone who wants to catch the early kick off between Northwich Victoria and Lincoln City on ITV1.

You'll get serve pretty quickly at the bar and on offer is Carling, Fosters, Stella and Becks £2.80 as well as Guinness and IPA, all under £3.

They also do a wide-ranging menu, with meals priced at about £6. It opens at 11:00.
The Connaught Arms at 119 Guildford Road is also worth a shout.

Avoid the Newcombe Arms, as it's a partisan home-fan pubs.

You will find cash machines by the Tesco on Goldsmith Avenue near the Shepherd's Crook and a Nationwide Building Society one at the Total garage on Milton Road, just down from the Brewers Arms.

For a full travel guide, click here.

United in the news

Youth clubbed - Fergie's kids taught a lesson (The Sun)

ALEX FERGUSON saw his youth clubbed as Besiktas stole the points at Old Trafford. More.

Manchester United's next generation still have plenty to prove (Paul Wilson, The Guardian)

Some good news for Liverpool at last. Manchester United's kids were not quite good enough to make finishing on top of Group B look easy. More.

Manchester United turn to £11m Danish defender Simon Kjaer to replace unsettled Nemanja Vidic (Neil Moxley, Daily Mail)

Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Denmark international Simon Kjaer (pictured) as the replacement for Manchester United’s unsettled defender Nemanja Vidic. More.

Dzeko set to snub Prem trio (The Sun)

The Bosnian striker was linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal after smashing 26 goals in the Bundesliga last season. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson denies Manchester United move for Russian keeper (The Mirror)

He has denied he will make a January bid for CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. More.

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor is good enough for Man Utd, says Alexander Hleb (Ewing Grahame, Daily Telegraph)

Stuttgart playmaker Alexander Hleb offered words of consolation to Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor in the wake of the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox. More.

Save £12.20 on your train to Birmingham

United face Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday, January 9, kick off 17:30 and, if you buy your train ticket on the day, you'll pay £28.70 for an off peak return.

But if you buy now via Virgin Trains, you can get a return for £16.50.

With a 19:30 finish at the latest anticipated, it will probably take you about 30 minutes to reach Birmingham New Street from the ground.

So if you were to get the 20:20 service to Crewe and then board the 21:19 to Manchester Piccadilly, a single will cost you £6.50.

Practically every direct train from Manchester to Birmingham currently costs £10 single.

Match ticket information is here.

Betty Bus full for Portsmouth trip

There are no places left on the Betty Bus for this Saturday's trip to Portsmouth.

Places still remain for the Saturday, December 5 trip to West Ham. They cost £35 per person.

The coach will leave from Chorlton Street Coach Station at 06:30 and from the Bishops Blaize pub in Chester Road from 06:45.

Bookings are now also being taken for the Saturday, December 19 trip to Fulham. Places cost £35 per person.
The coach will leave from Chorlton Street Coach Station at 06:30 and from the Bishops Blaize pub in Chester Road from 06:45.

To book, email your name and contact number to redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

Fans choose new design for OT banner

The votes are in and the results are out. This will be the new banner that will adorn the Stretford End from mid-December onwards.

The design got the most votes when supporters' group Stretford End Flags asked people who had donated to the group to choose which was the best out of three banners created by reds from all over the world.

A SEF spokesman said: "The banner received 58 per cent of the vote.

"It will now be mad and will be positioned on the front of the Stretford End.

"The line up of banner son the Stretford End will now be: City Ticker, One Love - Stretford End, The Flowers of Manchester, MANCHESTER IS MY HEAVEN and Lest Us Forget.

"All of the banners will be predominantly black, with only the one Love banner having half red.

"We will now consult members over the background colour of the new banner."

"We will try and obtain mock ups for a red, white and black background."

United n the news

Nemanja Vidic exit looming (Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail)

Despite the 28-year-old Serbian denying suggestions earlier this year that his wife Ana was unhappy in England, it remains the case that the couple do have an eye on a move to southern Europe — in all likelihood Spain. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson fears he could lose Nemenja Vidic to Barcelona and Real Madrid (James Ducker, The Times)

Jack Rodwell, the Everton utility player, has been identified by United as a star of the future. More.

Alan Wiley decides not to sue Sir Alex Ferguson for defamation (The Guardian)

Alan Wiley has decided against suing Sir Alex Ferguson for defamation but has expressed his "bitter disappointment" at the Manchester United manager's verbal attack on his fitness. More.

Utd’s Harg is still alive ’n kicking (Neil Custis, The Sun)

Owen Hargeaves has kicked his first ball in anger after more than a year out. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson in the dark over the future of Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar (Daily Mail)

'I don't know his plans,' said the United chief. 'When you get to that age and have a young family, there are a lot of things to consider. More.

Injury-jinxed Wes is still best (Neil Custis, The Sun)

"I'm delighted to have him back because I know the experience he can bring to the back four," Ferguson said. More.

West Ham determined to keep Cole (The Independent)

The England hit-man has been linked with a move away in the January transfer window, with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly showing interest. More.

United in the news

Manchester United and Chelsea miss out on teenage defender Nicolai Boilesen (Daily Mail)

Manchester United and Chelsea have missed out on Brondby's highly-rated Danish defender Nicolai Boilesen after the 17-year-old agreed to join Ajax. More.

Time for Ant to deck ‘em (The Sun)

Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia to shoot on sight. More.

Stars too thick to buy a fridge (Paul Jiggins, The Sun)

Gary Neville has blasted the Premier League's multi-millionaire stars for stupidly wasting money on agents. More.

Darren Fletcher: Manchester United can be stronger without Ronaldo (David Anderson, The Mirror)

"Hopefully we can become a more-rounded team and other players will raise their game to cover the gap left by his absence." More.

Get your place on the coach to Fulham

United are running coaches to the Fulham game on Saturday December 19, kick off 15:00.

Places cost £35 per person and the coach departs from the Old Trafford N2 car park at 08:30.

To reserve your place, call the ticket office on 0161 868 8000.

Birmingham home-end tickets on sale now

Home-end tickets for United's January 9 trip to Birmingham are now on sale.

Adult prices range from £23 in the Family Stand to £45 in the upmarket Club Class area.

United fans will share the Gill Merrick Stand with home fans.

In the lower tier of that stand, home end tickets will cost £33 for adults, £16.50 for over 65s, under 16s and students aged under 22 with an NUS card, and £9 for under 12s.

You can book online here, but you have to register first. Or you can call 08 44 55 71 875 and choosing option 2.

A full travel and pub guide will be published here in the next few weeks.

Apply for Fulham tickets now

Executive members and season tickets can now apply for tickets to see United take on Fulham on December 18.

The application deadline is 08:00 on Friday.

United have got 2,845 tickets priced at £49 for adults, £38 for over 65s and £22 for under 16s.

Apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000.

The ticket office will publish ballot results on December 4.

Both the home and neutral ends are sold out but it's worth keeping an eye on Seatwave, as it has been selling neutral end tickets for just above face value in the last few days.

If you're planning on going to the game, you can buy your train tickets now and save £10.40 on the buy-on-the-day price. Details here.

A full travel and pub guide will appear here in the next few days.

United in the news

Manchester United facing fight to keep hold of first team coach (Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a fight to keep his Dutch coach Rene Meulensteen - with wealthy Qatar desperate to whisk him away. More.

Fletcher's moment of magic inspires United (Ian Winrow, The Independent)

Ferguson's side are working to more pragmatic targets and the manager viewed this workmanlike victory over Everton with relief. More.

Chelsea bid '€65m plus José Bosingwa' for Franck Ribéry (The Guardian)

Hoeness told Bild newspaper that it was the "best bid". However, it still fell short of the Bavarian club's €100m (£90m) valuation of the 26-year-old, which is why they turned the Stamford Bridge club down. More.

Fergie: Now we mean business (The Sun)

"We need to get on a run and be somewhere near the top of the league by New Year's Day." More.

Michael Owen must take chances or miss World Cup bus (Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail)

Just how many chances can pass him by, how many of those buses can come and go, before Fabio Capello decides once and for all not to invite Owen aboard for England’s World Cup journey to South Africa next summer? More.

England won't win the World Cup, claims Alex Ferguson (The Guardian)

The Scot is instead tipping Brazil to win the trophy for the sixth time. "I can't see past Brazil, actually," They are going to be the ones in South Africa. They are going to be hard to beat." More.

Tickets go on sale to Birmingham fans

Home-end tickets for United's January 9 trip to Birmingham will go on sale at 09:00 tomorrow.
Birmingham have classed it as a category B game.

Adult prices range from £23 in the Family Stand to £45 in the upmarket Club Class area.

United fans will share the Gill Merrick Stand with home fans.

In the lower tier of that stand, home end tickets will cost £33 for adults, £16.50 for over 65s, under 16s and students aged under 22 with an NUS card, and £9 for under 12s.

You can book online here, but you have to register first. Or you can call 08 44 55 71 875 and choosing option 2.

Away-end tickets will go on sale to executive members and season ticket holders in mid-December.

It is unclear what price they will pay or what allocation they will get, but it looks like it will be about 3,000.

When Manchester City played there on November 1, it was also a category B game and their fans paid £32 for adults, £12 for over 65s, under 16s and students aged under 22 and £7 for under 12s. Details here.

But, although this match is in the same category, it would be hard to see Birmingham selling tickets to away fans for cheaper than home fans in the same stand.

When the new Birmingham owners took control of the club in October, they promised to address supporters' concerns that tickets were too expensive. Details here.

A full travel and pub guide will be published here in the next few weeks.

Fulham ticket information released

The ticket office has released details of how fans can apply for tickets to see United take on Fulham on December 18.

United have got 2,845 tickets for this game - 86 fewer than last season and 66 fewer than Liverpool got when they visited Craven Cottage earlier this season.

As we predicted earlier this week, the tickets will cost £49 for adults, £38 for over 65s and £22 for under 16s.

It means Fulham are the only Premier League team remaining from last season's Premier League to raise their prices from 2008/09, when reds paid £2 less for adult and under 16s tickets and £4 less for over 65s tickets.

Executive members and season ticket holders can apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000 from 08:00 on Monday to 08:00 on Friday.

The ticket office will publish ballot results on December 4.

Both the home and neutral ends are sold out but it's worth keeping an eye on Seatwave, as it has been selling neutral end tickets for just above face value in the last few days.

If you're planning on going to the game, you can buy your train tickets now and save £10.40 on the buy-on-the-day price. Details here.

A full travel and pub guide will appear here in the next few days.

United in news

Andy Cole blasts Manchester United for failing to sign Fernando Torres (David McDonnell, The Sun)

"We all make mistakes and not signing Torres was one, because I've spoke to several of the current United players about him and they all say the same thing: 'Top, top player'. More.

Manchester United v Everton classics: Sportsmail remembers four famous matches from the past between the English giants (Nick Metcalfe, Daily Mail)

Manchester United play Everton on Saturday evening at Old Trafford, in a match between two of the 'Big Five' as some of us still refer to mentally at times. (Apologies folks, but I still struggle to think of Chelsea as a bigger club than Everton or Tottenham Hotspur). More.

Banned - but Sir Alex Ferguson will still be in the dugout when Manchester United tackle Everton (Daily Mail)

The Football Association have confirmed Ferguson's two-match touchline ban does not start until 14 days after the disciplinary panel hearing, which was held last week. More.

Phil Neville will never go blue (Sky Sports)

He said: "Joining City is not something that will ever happen. When you have got red blood you cannot see yourself with blue blood. You go there and they have blue ketchup... it's just like 'What are they doing?'. More.

Three days left to cast your banner vote

Supporters have three more days to vote on which of three new banner designs should adorn the Stretford End.

Fans' organisation Stretford End Flags wants its backers to vote by 20:00 on Sunday.

United fans from across the world were challenged to come up with a new design and SEF has shortlisted three. Anyone who has donated to the group can vote on the best one via the SEF forum here.

Here they are.

A SEF spokesman said: "This new banner is likely to replace the existing FEAR banner and will possibly be taken from the Edge of The Flowers banner to the edge of the Scoreboard.

"As a result, the banner is likely to cost in the region of £650 to make, so all donations are gratefully received.

"You can donate by sending a paypal donation to stretfordendflags@hotmail.com"

Voting ends at 20:00 on Sunday and SEF will then announce the winning design, which will be put up by mid December.

Fulham ticket information due

In the next few days, the ticket office will publish information about how to apply for tickets to see United take on Fulham on December 18.

For last season's league game at Craven Cottage, United got 2,931 tickets out of a capacity of 25,500.
They cost £47 for adults, £34 for over 65s and £19 for under 16s.

This season, it is expected that the allocation will be 2,911 and tickets will cost £49 for adults, £38 for over 65s and £22 for under 16s, making Fulham the only Premier League club to increase prices from last season.

Both the home and neutral ends are sold out but it's worth keeping an eye on Seatwave, as it has been selling neutral end tickets for just above face value in the last few days.

If you're planning on going to the game, you can buy your train tickets now and save £10.40 on the buy-on-the-day price. Details here.

A full travel and pub guide will appear here in the next few days.

United in the news

Rio out until New Year (Neil Custis, The Sun)

The England centre-back has been told he needs another six weeks of rest and physio work before his back will be strong enough for Premier League football. More.

Agents over-protecting 'fragile' modern players, says Sir Alex Ferguson (Paul Hayward, The Guardian)

Speaking at a League Managers Association dinner to honour the 14 surviving coaches who have presided over 1,000-plus league games, Ferguson accused agents of "conducting most transfers now". More.

Foster's England dream will delight The Boss (Andy Cole, The Independent)

I haven't specifically talked to Foster or Sir Alex about the issue, but I do know from years of experience that The Boss is always delighted to have players who are hungry to play. More.

Vidic boost for United after defender returns to action in Serbia stroll (Daily Mail)

The 28-year-old was given the green light to play 70 minutes in this afternoon's World Cup warm-up against South Korea at Craven Cottage. More.

Ruud van Nistelrooy issues come and get me plea to Spurs and Manchester City (Daily Mail)

Reports in Spain say Spurs and City are both watching the former Manchester United player's developments with interest. More.

Check for West Ham tickets now

Red who applied for tickets to see United play at West Ham on Saturday, December 5, are advised to check if they have got them.

The club said they will publish ballot results on Friday, but they are usually released two days before that.

United have got 2,900 tickets priced at £45 for adults, £25.50 for over 65s and £22.50 for under 16s.

Home end tickets are on general sale. Details here.

Click here for a full travel and pub guide.

United in the news

Dzeko rules out United switch (The Sun)

Edin Dzeko has ruled out a switch to Manchester United by insisting he wants to join AC Milan next season. More.

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic insists he is 100 per cent fit and back to his best (Julian Bennetts, Daily Telegraph)

Nemanja Vidic says he is back to his best after shaking off a series of injuries that he believes have stopped him from hitting top form this season. More.

Manchester United captain Gary Neville's elite referee claims rubbished by Jeff Winter (Rob Stewart, Daily Telegraph)

Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter has hit back at Manchester United skipper Gary Neville's calls for the biggest games to be reserved for "a few elite officials". More.

United affront! Gary Neville needs to take off his red-tinted specs and let referees get on with the job (Graham Poll, Daily Mail)

What Neville really wants is for referees to stop making mistakes which he perceives as costly to United; what he fails to see is that he is so ensconced with the champions that his red tinted spectacles are giving him a very one-sided view. More.

Ferguson set for defeat over referee demands (Ian Herbert, The Independent)

Manchester United's demands for fitter, elite referees to officiate in top fixtures are destined to be rejected, with the football authorities satisfied that the current regime does not need improving. More.

Nemanja Vidic: Rio Ferdinand is a great player and he'll bounce back for Manchester United (David Maddock, Daily Mirror)

Nemanja Vidic has dismissed claims Rio Ferdinand is over the hill. More.

Save £10.40 on your Fulham train tickets now

On Saturday, December 19, kick off 15:00, United face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League.

If you were to buy your train tickets on the day, it would cost you £66.40 for an off-peak return from Manchester Piccadilly to Euston (and then extra for a Tube ticket to the ground).

But if you book now via the National Rail website, it will cost you £56.

On the way there, any train that leaves before 10:35 will cost £28 one way.

On the way back, the services that leave Euston at 18:00 and 18:20 also cost £28 one way. Book now.

United in the news

Spurs eye outcast foster (Mark Irwin, The Sun)

Redknapp is looking to sign an established goalkeeper to put pressure on unpredictable Brazilian Heurelho Gomes as Spurs bid to qualify for a Champions League place next season. More.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool set for battle to sign Palermo defender Simon Kjaer (Christopher Davies, Daily Mail)

Kjaer had admitted he would like to join one of Europe's top clubs after the World Cup and Palermo have confirmed interest from the Barclays Premier League trio plus Juventus. More.

Manchester United winger Nani linked with loan move to Italian club Fiorentina (Daily Mail)

They want Nani to spend six months with them before negotiating a permanent £15m deal in the summer. More.

Paul Scholes to get new United deal (David Anderson, Daily Mirror)

Golden oldie Scholes turned 35 yesterday and Sir Alex Ferguson wants to reward him with another 12-month deal at Old Trafford. More.


Gary Neville: only the best referees should officiate the biggest games (Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph)

He said: "The big matches should be refereed by the best referees. Italian referee Pierluigi Collina always used to get the big Champions League matches because he rarely made mistakes." More.

Ben Foster can regain Manchester United place and revitalise World Cup hopes (Rob Stewart, Daily Telegraph)

Former England international Nigel Martyn believes Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster can revitalise his World Cup prospects by "getting his head down" and forcing his way back into the first-team squad at Old Trafford. More.

Fans' group wants your flag votes

Supporters' group Stretford End Flags is appealing to all its backers to vote for a new banner set to grace Old Trafford.

United fans from across the world have rolled up their sleeves to create a wide range of flags, with the winner due to be placed at the Stretford End in mid-December.

SEF helpers have shortlisted three designs and want members and those who have given donations to the group to vote on the best one via the SEF forum here.

Here they are.

A SEF spokesman said: "This new banner is likely to replace the existing FEAR banner and will possibly be taken from the Edge of The Flowers banner to the edge of the Scoreboard.

"As a result, the banner is likely to cost in the region of £650 to make, so all donations are gratefully received.

"You can donate by sending a paypal donation to stretfordendflags@hotmail.com"

Voting ends at 20:00 on Sunday and SEF will then announce the winning design.

United in the news

Sir Alex Ferguson will be forced to speak to the BBC under new Premier League rules (Duncan White, Daily Telegraph)

Ferguson has not spoken to the BBC since 2004 when Panorama ran a documentary which portrayed his son, Jason, an agent, as using his father’s status to gain influence in the transfer market. More.

AC and Juve eye up Nani (Antony Kastrinakis, The Sun)

Juve are keen on a January swoop and could even attempt a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season for around £15million. More.

Evans in new Utd ref rap (Dean Jones, The Sun)

"Sometimes you have to beat the referee as well - and that is what we have to do." More.

Alex Ferguson punishment hints at dawning of new era in Premier League (Duncan White, Daily Telegraph)

Are we witnessing the autumn of the patriarch? Have football's institutions finally conquered their extreme case of Fergiephobia? More.

Confused Ben Foster contemplates Manchester United exit in battle to retain England No 1 jersey for 2010 World Cup (Daily Mail)

'It's a weird one,' he admitted.' I am third choice for Manchester United at the moment yet I am playing for my country. More.

City facing Euro ban if they don't break even (Ian Herbet, The Independent)

There is indignation at City that the levels of investment by Sheikh Mansour are being frowned upon in a way that debt-leveraged clubs are not. More.

United in the news

Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea scramble to sign Connor Wickham - the next Wayne Rooney (Joe Bernstein, Mail On Sunday)

Wickham (pictured right), the youngest first-team player in Ipswich's history, is regarded in the game as the most exciting young Englishman to emerge since Wayne Rooney. More.


Big guns in £20 million Rodwell Battle (Neil Ashton and Greg Gobere, News of the World)

Manchester United and Chelsea are locked in a £20million battle for Everton teen Jack Rodwell. More.

Laurent Blanc lined up to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss (Simon Mullock, Sunday Mirror)

Laurent Blanc has emerged to top the Manchester United short-list of managers to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. More.

United to launch move for Bayern star (Anthony Clavane, Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United are set to launch a £15million bid for Bayern Munich star Philipp Lahm this January. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson - my toughest battle (Rob Shepherd, News of the World)

Sir Alex Ferguson today makes a passionate appeal to Prime Minister Gordon Brown to fund a revolutionary cancer cure.

Nani's either brave or flipping stupid, says Ince (Paul Ince, News of the World)

You know, I didn't think he had it in him. More.

West Ham United travel guide (pub guide coming soon)

West Ham United
Upton Park
Sunday February 8, kick off 4pm
Premier League

Tickets

The ground holds 35,647 and United have got 2,900 tickets priced at £45 adults and at £22.50 for under 16s and £25.50 for over 65s.

The application deadline has passed. Ballot results will be out on November 18.

The going rate for an away-end touted ticket is £170.

Home end tickets are on general sale from West Ham priced between £45 and £63. Click here for details.

Weather

According to the BBC, the match will be played in heavy rain. The temperature will be abut 9c/48F.

TV
The match will not be shown live on TV, but you can watch it online through a number of videa streams. Links to streams will be posted here at 13:00 on matchday.

Match of the Day on BBC1 will show highlights of the game from 22:30.


Travel
Car - £70.00

If you’re using a sat nav or a routeplanner, use the postcode E13 9AZ.

The journey is 225 miles, takes about three hours and 45 minutes and will cost you about £70 in petrol, plus £4 each way if you decide to go there and back on the M6 road toll.

The basic route is the M6, M42, M1, M25, M11 and A406 (north circular road). Take the A406 to the A124 (East Ham).

Then on Barking Road for approximately one-and-a-half miles until you approach the traffic lights on cross-roads.

Turn right into Green Street & the ground is on the right hand side., through Barking and then to East Ham.

Parking - free
There is little off-road parking on match days.

The best areas to look for spaces are roads left of Barking Road, once you are past the lights at East Ham Town Hall. Try Didsbury Close (E6 2RX).

A lot of the streets on the other side of Barking Road have parking restrictions allowing only permit holders to park there from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday.

But Calverton Road, West End Road and Kempton Road (E6 2LD) don't and you will probably find the odd space in that area if you arrive early enough.

You can park at Newham General Hospital (E13 8BL) where there is a pay and display car park, which costs £1.50 for four hours, or £3.50 for six.

To find the hospital, drive down Barking Road and pass the ground on your right. Turn left into Prince Regent Lane and the hospital is signposted from there. It’s a 15-minute walk from the ground.

Train/Tube - £72.70
Your destination station is Upton Park Tube.

There's a few ways to get there and back, but we've checked out them all and the one below is the only hassle-free route.

Step 1. Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston £66.40

At Piccadilly, get an off-peak day return ticket. Buying in advance isn't any cheaper at this stage.

All journeys take 2:08. All the following departure times.
05:25 05:55 06:10 06:35 06:55 07:15 07:35 07:55 08:15 08:35 08:55 09:15 09:35 09:55 10:15 10:35 10:55 11:15 and 11:35.

Step 2. Euston to Upton Park
By Tube, this takes 28 minutes. Here is a Tube map

At Euston, get a one-day Travelcard for Zones 1-4, costing £6.30.

Take the Victoria Line one stop northbound to Kings Cross. This takes two minutes.

Then take the Hammersmith & City Line 13 stops eastbound to Upton Park. This takes 26 minutes.

Upton Park Tube is a five-minute walk to the ground.

Step 3. On the way home, reverse the above route

You should make it back to Euston by 18:15.

Step 4. London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Leaves: 17:40, 18:00, 18:20, 18:40, 19:00, 19:20, 19:40, 20:20, 21:00
Arrives: 19:49, 20:07, 20:28, 20:49, 21:07, 21:28, 21:56, 22:51, 23:39
Journey time: 2:09, 2:07, 2:08, 2:09, 2:07, 2:08, 2:16, 2:31, 2:39

Match coach - £30

United are running coaches to the game. Places cost £35 per person and the coaches will leave from the Old Trafford N2 car park at 08:30.

The estimated return time is 21:30. To reserve your place, call the ticket office on 0161 868 8000.

The Betty Bus is going to the game and is now fully booked.

Red Army Travel is running a coach to the games. Places cost £30 per person and it leaves from the Spread Eagle Pub in Royal Green Rd, Northenden. Times to be confirmed. To book, call 0161 998 4455 or 07545 39 1999 or email prem@redarmytravel.com

Public coaches - £13
National Express is running two coaches to London on the morning of the game and one coach back, though it is touch and go whether you'd make it back to the station in time to get the homeward-bound coach.

Chorlton Street to Victoria
Leaves: 06:25, 08:00
Arrives: 11:35, 13:20
Journey time: 5:10, 5:20
One-way price: £7, £9

Megabus is running three coaches there and two coaches back between Manchester Chorlton Street and Liverpool Victoria.

Chorlton Street to Victoria
Leaves: 4:30, 6:30, 8:45
Arrives: 08:30, 11:00, 13:00
Journey time: 4:00, 4:30, 4:15
One-way price: £7, £7, £7

Victoria to Chorlton Street
Leaves: 18:00, 23:30
Arrives: 22:35, 03:30
Journey time: 4:35, 4:00
Price: £10, £5

Walk the short journey from Victoria Coach Station to Victoria Tube.
Victoria Coach Station is a five-minute walk to Victoria Tube Station.

Turn onto Buckingham Palace Road, walk up and then turn left onto Eccleston Bridge (see map to the right).

When you get to Victoria Tube, get a one-day off-peak Travelcard covering zones 1-3. It will cost £6.30.

From Victoria, take the District Line 18 stops each to Upton Park. This takes 35 minutes.

Upton Park Tube is a five-minute walk to the ground.

On the way home, reverse the route above. You should make it back to Victoria by about 18:45.

Plane - £73.70 for flights and £17.30 for onward train and tube

There are 10 flights that will get you to the game, but we've only listed the ones that are sensibly priced.

via Gatwick
Leave Manchester: 06:40, 09:00, 12:20
Arrive Gatwick: 07:40, 10:00, 13:20
Airline: BA, BA, BA
One-way price: £43:25, £43.25, £40.75

Gatwick to Upton Park
Gatwick Airport has it's own train station.


Take the train to Victoria. It takes 30 minutes and services run every 10 minutes. An off-peak return costs £11 in advance from National Rail and £23 on the day.

At Victoria, get a one-day Travelcard for Zones 1-4, costing £6.30.

On the Tube, take the District Line 18 stops east to Upton Park. This takes 35 minutes.

Upton Park Tube is a five-minute walk to the ground.

On the way home, reverse the route above. You should make it back to Victoria by about 18:00 and you should be back at Gatwick by 18:45.

Leave Gatwick: 20:30
Arrive Manchester: 21:25
Airline: BA
One-way price: £36.90

via Heathrow
Leave Manchester: 08:55, 10:55
Arrive Heathrow: 10:05 T1 , 12:05T1
Airline: bmi, bmi
One-way price: £67.40, £36.40

Heathrow to Upton Park
Get a one-day off-peak Travelcard covering zones 1-6. It will cost £7.50.

Take the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington. It takes 16 minutes and services run every 10 minutes.

Transfer to the Tube and take the Hammersmith and City Line 18 stops each. It takes 55 minutes and services run every 10 minutes.

On the way home, reverse the route. You should be in Paddington by 18:15 and Heathrow by 18:40.

There are three flights home

Leave Heathrow: 20:15T1, 20:35 T5
Arrive Manchester: 21:25, 21:40
Airline: bmi, BA
One-way price: £38.80, £52.90

United in the news

Fergie in for £20m Carlton - Manchester United to fight Liverpool for West Ham's Cole (Matt Lawton, Daily Mail)

Manchester United plan to make a £20million bid for West Ham’s Carlton Cole when the transfer window reopens in January. More.

Palermo deny receiving offers for Manchester United and Liverpool target Kjaer (The Independent)

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has confirmed that his club have received no official offers for Danish defender Simon Kjaer.

Nani attempts to play down Ferguson row (The Independent)

Manchester United winger Nani insists he has "no problem" with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. More.

Referees' union hints at action against Sir Alex Ferguson over Alan Wiley remarks (The Guardian)

Sir Alex Ferguson's two-match touchline ban for criticising the referee Alan Wiley may not yet be the end of the matter with the secretary of the referees union raising the possibility of legal action against the Manchester United manager. More.

Have referees closed ranks against Manchester United? (The Guardian)

Winter even said Didier Drogba should not necessarily have been penalised for fouling Wes Brown because such things happen all the time, an argument so spectacularly moronic that we feel slightly unclean even mentioning it. More.

Sir Alex Ferguson happy to have Alan Wiley referee United games (Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph)

Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to draw a line under the acrimonious Alan Wiley saga by contacting the Staffordshire official and insisting he has no concerns over the referee taking charge of future Manchester United games. More.

Fulham away end tickets go on general sale

United end tickets for the trip to Fulham on Saturday December 19 have gone on general sale via internet agency seatwave.

The firm is selling tickets in the Putney End of Craven Cottage at £124.40 for a pair.

That includes £49 face value, which times by two totals £97, £8 recorded delivery and a £16.90 commission.

Dozens of pairs of tickets are being placed for sale here, but reds are snapping them up quickly.

United announce West Ham coach details

United will be running coaches to the game against West Ham United on Saturday December 5, kick off 15:00.

Places cost £35 per person and the coaches will leave from the Old Trafford N2 car park at 08:30.

The estimated return time is 21:30.

To reserve your place, call the ticket office on 0161 868 8000.

United in the news

FA 'flunked it' over Sir Alex Ferguson's touchine ban, says referees' union (Daniel Taylor, The Guardian)

The Football Association has been accused of being too lenient on Sir Alex Ferguson and "flunking" the Alan Wiley case despite making him the first Premier League manager to be banned from the touchline for post-match comments about a referee. More.

Nani faces Manchester United axe after fall-out with Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson (Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail)

Nani is on his way out of Manchester United after a furious row with Sir Alex Ferguson. More.

Wayne Rooney: I want to stay at Manchester United for life (Ian Lupton, Daily Mirror)

Wayne Rooney last night pledged to make himself an Old Trafford legend as he told the Manchester United fans: “I want to be a Red for life.” More.

Dodgy Korea Move, Park (Mark Irwin, The Sun)

Park Ji Sung is on a collision course with Alex Ferguson after declaring himself fit to play for South Korea tomorrow. More.

Michael Owen's World Cup dream a long way from reality (Jason Burt, Daily Telegraph)

Michael Owen’s slender hopes of being included in England’s World Cup squad have diminished even further with Fabio Capello all but confirming that he only intends to take four specialist strikers to South Africa. More.

United announce West Ham allocation and prices

The ticket office has confirmed that United will get 2,900 tickets for the Saturday, December 5 trip to West Ham.

They will cost £45 for adults, £25.50 for over 65s and £22.50 for under 16s.

We predicted the allocation and prices here last Monday.

Executive members and season ticket holders have until 08:00 tomorrow to apply for tickets.

They can do it online or by calling the ticket office on 0161 868 800.

The club have said they will publish ballot results on November 20, but they will probably be released two days before that.

The ground holds 35,647. Home end tickets are currently on general sale. Details here.

A travel and pub guide will appear here in the next few days.

United in the news

Nani risks Sir Alex Ferguson's wrath after lifting the lid on Manchester United rows (Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph)

Manchester United winger Nani has put his Old Trafford future on the line with a remarkably frank account of his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson. Of Sir Alex, he said: "He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a question of minutes." More.

Hargreaves eyes United comeback (Daily Mirror)

Owen Hargreaves is nearing the end of his mammoth comeback trail, having returned to England following operations on both knees to cure a tendinitis problem. More.

Ferguson to reignite row over 'unfit' referees (Ian Herbert, The Independent)

An unrepentant Sir Alex Ferguson will risk further condemnation over his attack on referee Alan Wiley today by telling a Football Association tribunal that the fitness of officials should be better. More.

Argyle boss wants defensive cover after Gray departure (Plymouth Herald)
Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock has made it his aim to ensure Plymouth Argyle don't start 2010 short of defensive cover. The loan deals of Manchester United full-back David Gray and Aston Villa centre-back Shane Lowry (pictured below) are both set to expire on December 19. More.

Manchester City lag behind Manchester United in quest for global domination (Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph)

"United are the biggest team here," admitted the Sports Direct shop worker. "But City are becoming more popular and we do sell their shirts. It's United and Chelsea that people like most, though. And they like Barcelona too." More.