Chubb club returns tomorrow

MUST organisers are inviting United fans who can't get to tomorrow's game to a special screening upstairs at Walkabout in Quay Street, Manchester.

Doors open at 14:30 and entry is £3 on the door. Everyone attending will get a free green and gold scarf.

Arsenal pub guide

Due to the location of Arsenal's relatively new ground, there aren't many boozers nearby - and the vast majority of the ones that are open for business tend to be for home fans only.

But there are a few exceptions we would recommend.

It's important to get there early though, as all three of these pubs get very busy around noon.

A firm favourite among reds making their way to the Emirates in recent season is The Drayton Arms at 153 Old Brompton Road.

It's right near Drayton Park train station and as close to the stadium as you're going to get.

A listed 19th-century building, it's quite upmarket and not very suited to a football crowd, but it's not a bad meeting place in our view.

The best thing about the Drayton (pictured above) is the breakfast. For a fiver you'll get the house special 'hangover buster' breakfast. It might sound pricey, but it's worth it. They should be serving food from 10am throughout the day.

It's great for real ales and offers about 30 beers.

It also has a terrace so you don't need to freeze your arse off at the door if you smoke. More information here.

But if you're looking for somewhere a little bit less crowded, or if you're arriving via Finsbury Park Train Station, we have two other recommendations.

The first is The Twelve Pins Irish bar at 263 Seven Sisters Road.

It's a 10-minute walk from the ground and welcomes both home and away supporters. Singing would probably be frowned upon.

The best thing about the Twelve Pins (pictured above) it is that it's pretty big, so you'll get a good place to watch the Manchester City v Portsmouth 13:30 kick off on the two big screens.

This is more of a traditional cockney pub rather than a self-proclaimed sophisticated joint like the Drayton Arms.

It serves a fantastic Guinness and has a food menu on offer throughout the day. Details here.

Alternatively, cross the road (to the junction of Blackstock Road and you'll find The Blackstock, which looks a bit dodge from the outside, but is actually pretty welcoming.

Again, it's mixed home/away fans and will be showing the City game. It opens at 10am.

National Express to run Wembley coaches

Coach provider National Express will run a special service from Manchester to Wembley Stadium for the Carling Cup final.

For £36 return and a £1 internet booking fee, reds can travel from Chorlton Street Coach Station direct to the stadium.

On matchday, Sunday February 28, the coaches will leave at 08:15 and arrive at 12:15.

Extra time pending, they will set off homeward at 17:30 and aim to arrive at 21:30.

Book here.

National Expess is running a service from Birmingham too and, though reds can get on it, they should be advised that it will be full of Villa fans.

Readers questions: Mission to Milan

Q. I recently got tickets for the AC Milan away match. I've not booked any travel yet. Is there any deals that are going at cheap price? PJ Leigfield.

A. Right after the draw, you could fly from Bristol Airport to Orio al Serio (Bergamo) for £20 or so. That's now sky high.

And up until a few days ago, the best deal was £96 return between Gatwick and Milan Malpensa on easyJet.

Sadly, that has now increased in price, so the cheapest flights you can get are £104.72 leaving the day before the game and £112.72 leaving the day of the game. Both deals involve returning the day after the game and all flights are with easyJet.

Option 1 - leaving day before game
Leave: London Luton at 06:45
Arrive: Milan Malpensa at 09:40
One-way cost: £69.99

Return: Milan Malpensa at 20:45
Arrive: London Luton at 21:45
One-way cost: £34.73.
Total: £104.72

Option 2 - leaving day of the game
Leave: London Gatwick at 11:20
Arrive: Milan Malpensa at 14:15
One-way cost: £79.99

Return: Milan Malpensa at 21:20
Arrive: London Gatwick at 22:15
One-way cost: £32:73
Total: £112.72.

Weather for Arsenal

Reds making the trip to the capital to see United take on Arsenal this Sunday will be happy to know sunshine is forecast.

But don't whip out the suncream just yet - it will only be about 4C/39F during the game.

The temperature will drop sharply during the match and will drop as far as -1C/30F as reds are making their way home.

United in the news

United taunt City and insist: You’re still losers...so our banner stays put! (Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail)

The battle of Manchester may be over but there is no end in sight to the war as United and City withdrew to reflect on a momentous Carling Cup clash. More.

New star's amazing rise from non-league football to Old Trafford (Tom Pettifor, The Mirror)

When Theresa Smalling heard the familiar Glaswegian voice at the other end of the line she nearly dropped the phone. More.

United may appeal over Rio Ferdinand ban (David Anderson, The Mirror)

Manchester United may risk Rio Ferdinand's Carling Cup Final place by appealing against his four-match ban. More.

Smalling is ruled out of Fulham's clash with United (Oliver Kay, The Times)

Allowing him to play would put all parties in a difficult position before his £12 million summer move to Old Trafford. More.

Believe me, it takes time to make the jump in class (Andy Townsend, Daily Mail)

This is a feel-good story and we should wish him well. Dreams can still come true. More.

Is Rooney the white Pele? There’s some way to go but he has the God-given potential (Jeff Powell, Daily Mail)

This is not what Manchester United fans had in mind the other night when they hoisted a banner proclaiming Wayne Rooney as the white Pele... More.

Wembley ticket details out

United will play Aston Villa at Wembley in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, February 26 and the ticket office has released application information.

Out of a capacity of 90,000, United have got 31,750 tickets priced at £86, £70, £54 and £38 and half those prices for under 16s and over 65s.

It is likely this will be at the east end of the stadium.

When United played Tottenham in last year's final, United got 31,748 tickets at the east end of the stadium, priced at £80, £66, £52 and £38 for adults and half those prices for under 16s and over 65s.

Executive Members and season ticket holders can apply from 08:00 tomorrow until 08:00 on Thursday.

Those who have attended all seven home cup matches this season will get priority.

You can find out on February 8 if you have tickets.

One more day left for Everton applications

Executive members and season ticket holders have got until 08:00 tomorrow to apply for tickets to see United take on Everton on February 20.

United have got 2,838 tickets in section of the upper and lower tiers of the Bullens Road End closest to the Park Road stand.

They are priced at £33 to £38 for adults, £20 to £22 for over 65s and £16 to £18 for under 16s. The higher price tickets are for the upper tier.

They can apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000.

Ballot results are expected to be made available from 08:00 on Friday February 5.

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

We're the famous Man United and...

United made it through the Carling Cup final at Wembley after Wayne Rooney netteda lasp-gasp winner against Manchester City

The reds were 2-1 behind going into the second leg and the pressure was on after a goalles first half of tonight's second leg at Old Trafford.

But strikes from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick put the home side infront only for Carloz Tevez to even thinks up on aggregate.

With stoppage time looming, Rooney fired home for a 92-minute goal to send United through to Wembley.

The match takes place on Sunday February 28, meaning the February 27 home league match against West Ham must be postponed.

West Ham are still waiting to rearrange a home match against Wolves so their United trip will probably take place in April.

Aston Villa ballot results expected today

Executive members and season ticket holders who applied for tickets to see United at Villa can find out of they have got tickets today.

United have got approximately 2,315 tickets priced at £43 for adults, £30 for over 65s and £24 for under 16s.

On January 6, we predicted United would get 2,347 tickets for this game and got the prices spot on.

Last season, reds paid £35 for adults and £21 for over 65s and under 16s and the allocation was 2,800.

Liverpool got the same number last season and had it reduced by about 500 this season due, Aston Villa said "to persistent standing" in the Liverpool end.

We have not been able to confirm that that is the reason for United's allocation reduction.

AC Milan ballot results out now

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members who applied for tickets to see United play AC Milan away can now check if they have got them.

United have got 4,420 tickets priced at £19.13 and 80 tickets priced at £152.17.

The tickets are expected to be in the very top tier of the Curva Nord, shown as blocks 343 to 360 here.

If you get a ticket, you must complete an online travel report form, available via manutd.com by February 5.

If you have any questions about flights, accommodation or your trip to Milan, email us at redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

Get the coach to Aston Villa

United are running coaches to the Aston Villa game on February 10, kick off 19:45.

Places cost £23 per person and the coaches depart from the Old Trafford N2 car park at 16:30 and will return at about 00:30.

To book, call United on 0161 868 800.

United in the news

Prime Minister says clubs must tackle issue of excessive debt as matter of urgency (Kevin Eason, The Times)

On the day he weighed into the argument, Manchester United fans protested outside the club’s Carrington training ground. More.

FA asks Ferguson and Mancini to help keep the peace in Manchester (Owen Gibson, The Guardian)

The Football Association today warned managers, players and officials from both Manchester clubs against inflaming tensions between fans ahead of the second leg of their Carling Cup tie, as police finalised plans for a beefed-up security operation around Old Trafford. More.

Rooney: I'm not leaving United (ESPN)

"...as I've said many times before, I'm a United player and I'm very happy here.' More.

Rochdale extend Heaton Loan (Sky Sports)

Rochdale have extended the loan of Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton until January 31. More.

Manchester Football: “Green and gold ‘til the club is sold…” (Dany Moran, Body Confidential)

At Old Trafford on Saturday, on the forecourt and in the stands, the fans were just about the only party showing any “class”. More.

Theatre is new goal for Eric (John Lichfield, New Zealand Herald)

Eric Cantona will complete an unprecedented career shift from the "theatre of dreams" to the Paris stage tomorrow. More.

Everton ticket details announced

The ticket office has revealed that reds will get 2,838 tickets for United's February 20 trip to Everton.

That's roughly the same as last season and tickets will be in a section of the upper and lower tiers of the Bullens Road End closest to the Park Road stand.

They are priced at £33 to £38 for adults, £20 to £22 for over 65s and £16 to £18 for under 16s. The higher price tickets are for the upper tier.

Prices last season were £33 to £39 for adults, £16 to £19 under 16s and £20 to £21 for over 65s.
Executive Members and season ticket holders can apply now until 08:00 on Friday.

They can do so online or by calling 0161 868 8000.

Ballot results are expected to be made available from 08:00 on Friday February 5.

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

AC Milan watch

22 days to go

Inter Milan 2-0 AC Milan

by Eurosport

Inter Milan moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A after beating city rivals AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro.



Diego Milito gave Inter a deserved lead on 10 minutes after a fast start, before Wesley Sneijder was dismissed for them midway through the half for dissent.

Inter weathered a storm at the start of the second half as Milan enjoyed their best spell of the game, but Goran Pandev grabbed the crucial second goal for Inter with a gorgeous free-kick.

Lucio was sent off for handling Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's shot in the area in injury time leaving Inter with just nine men, but Ronaldinho saw his spot-kick well saved by Julio Cesar.

24 hours left for AC Milan tickets

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members have one more day to apply for tickets to see United play AC Milan away on February 16.

Only those who are members of United's European Travel Club can apply and the deadline for membership applications has expired.

United have got 4,420 tickets priced at £19.13 and 80 tickets priced at £152.17.

The tickets are expected to be in the very top tier of the Curva Nord, shown as blocks 343 to 360 here.

Apply online or by calling United on 0161 868 8000.

If you apply, you can find out on Wednesday if you have them.

If you get a ticket, you must complete an online travel report form, available via manutd.com by February 5.

The San Siro holds 80,018 people.

If you have any questions about flights, accommodation or your trip to Milan, email us at redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

Times change for United games

Due to Sky and ESPN listing more live games, the following United fixtures have moved:

Wolves

Away

Was: Saturday, March 6 at 15:00

Is now: Saturday, March 6 at 17:50

On ESPN

Fulham

Home

Was: Saturday, March 13 at 15:00

Is now: Saturday, March 13 at 12:45

On Sky

Liverpool

Home

Was: Saturday March 20 at 15:00

Is Now: Sunday, March 21 at 13:30

On Sky

Bolton
Away

Was: Saturday, March 27 at 15:00

Is now: Saturday, March 27 at 17:30

On ESPN

Apply for AC Milan tickets now

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members can not apply for tickets to see United play AC Milan away on February 16.

Only those who are members of United's European Travel Club can apply and the deadline for membership applications has expired.

United have got 4,420 tickets priced at £19.13 and 80 tickets priced at £152.17.

The tickets are expected to be in the very top tier of the Curva Nord, shown as blocks 343 to 360 here.

You can apply for tickets before 08:00 on Tuesday online or by calling United on 0161 868 8000.

If you apply, you can find out on January 27 if you have them.

If you get a ticket, you must complete an online travel report form, available via manutd.com by February 5.

The San Siro holds 80,018 people.

If you have any questions about flights, accommodation or your trip to Milan, email us at redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

United in the news

O'Sheah's shock injury KO (The Sun)

JOHN O'SHEA is set to miss the rest of the season. More.

Tevez: 'It's not revenge over United until City are in the final' (David McDonnell, The Mirror)

"It's not revenge fulfilled because City still haven't reached the final. I think the second leg will be harder than the first game." More.

Tevez launches explosive attack on 'boot-licking moron' Gary Neville (Sid Lowe, The Guardian)

"He acted like a complete sock-sucker [boot-licker] when he said I wasn't worth £25m, just to suck up to the manager. I don't know what the hell that idiot is talking about me for. I never said anything about him." More.

FA plan talks with Manchester clubs (Simon Stone from Press Associaton in The Independent)

The Football Association will speak to both Manchester clubs to try to avoid any flashpoints during next week's Carling Cup semi-final decider at Old Trafford. More.

Fans outrage after turnstile chaos

Supporters have reacted with outrage after hundreds of fans were locked out of last night's match.

United fans arriving at the M1 and M2 away-end entrances 15 minutes before the 20:05 kick off did not get into the game until half time.

They have called on Manchester City to investigate the crowd build up and give out refunds.

One fan, who asked not to named, said: "It was an absolute disgrace. The stewards insisted on body searching everyone and then a turnstile broke.

"As if that wasn't bad enough, the police horses at the back were inching people forward so a crush situation built up. It could have been dangerous.

"Missing the lion's share of a game when you've paid £40 for it is ridiculous. City need to refund us."

Witnesses said problems with crushing eased when Greater Manchester Police took full control of entry procedure about 15 minutes after kick off.

Manchester Evening News reporter Mike Keegan, who was in the stadium's police control room posted Twitter updates about the problems.

He said: "Big crushes at United turnstile as fans arrive late. Police move in to pull fans out.

"Fans at gates M1 and M2 getting crushed as kick off approaches. Tense scenes. Police holding fans back."

He said an estimated 1,000 United fans - almost a fifth of the entire allocation - were still outside 10 minutes into the game.

Some supporters gave up hope of entering the match altogether and went to watch it at pubs nearby.

Another fan said: "I got there over 20 mins before kick off. There were massive queues and noone moving.

"It turns out the turnstyles aren't working, so instead of stopping everyone from gettin squashed and opening them, they spend the next half hour locking us out."

Reds Away has asked Manchester City's press office for a comment on the issue.

United in the news

Man City 2 Man United 1: Fired-up Carlos Tevez has final say (Matt Lawton, Daily Mail)

Sir Alex Ferguson must feel those noisy neighbours are really starting to push their luck. More.

Tevez: Up yours Gary Neville (Neil Custis, The Sun)

CARLOS TEVEZ taunted Gary Neville as he destroyed United. More.

Rivals united by dreams of the way things used to be (Ian Herbet, The Independent)

There was a big blue moon rising and Manchester United's fans saw it coming. More.

Neville faces censure for middle-finger gesture at Carlos Tevez (Daniel Taylor, The Guardian)

Gary Neville could be in trouble with the Football Association after he reacted to Carlos Tevez's first goal in the Carling Cup semi-final by raising his middle finger towards the Manchester City striker. More.

Why angry football fans are the heroes of the resistance (Oliver Holt, The Mirror)

I admire the supporters who unfurled the ‘Love United, Hate the Glazers’ banner at the Stretford End on Saturday. More.

Head to head: A City fans view

Ahead of tonight's crunch Carling Cup tie at the City of Manchester Stadium, lifelong blue Paul Gardner talks to Reds Away about, hope, expectations and what kind of atmosphere awaits the reds.

I've been supporting City for 35 years at least. The last one I remember was the League Cup final 2-1 against Newcastle in 1976.

The highlight since then has got to be the 1981 FA Cup Final [City lost to Spurs in a replay] and the time we beat United 5-1 in 1989 - and any other time we've beaten United.

There has been more optimism around the club since the new owners took over. Around the ground there's more of a buzz because we've got the best crop of players we've probably had since the 1970s.

And with the players we've got, we do have a lot of potential.

City would prefer to finish in the top four of the league and get in the Champions League but I'm sure the fans would love a day out at Wembley. Doing both would make it a great season.

The Premier League is what people remember.

When you're playing United home and away and the away leg is second, it will be difficult. If it were the other way around I would have more optimism, but you never know with a good home win.

United are a talented bunch of lads regardless of whether it's a first team or reserve team Ferguson puts out. Either way, they have the potential to come away with a 1-0 or 2-0 win.

The atmosphere is getting better at the new ground. It was good at Maine Road and it is taking a bit of time to develop at Eastlands.

I would imagine it's going to add some electric to the atmosphere and I think it would be an even more amazing atmosphere if there's a good scoreline for City.

Police issue advice ahead of tonight's match

Greater Manchester Police is preparing for the derby match between Manchester City and Manchester United tonight.

The first leg of the Carling Cup tie will take place at the City of Manchester Stadium and the Force has been planning for several weeks to ensure the fixture is a safe and enjoyable occasion for the tens of thousands of fans expected to watch the game at the stadium and in pubs across Greater Manchester.

A key part of GMP's operation is to deter the minority of people who go to the game to cause trouble, and respond to any incidents of disorder or anti-social behaviour quickly and efficiently.

Officers will be positioned around the ground to interact with fans attending at the stadium and there will also be a significant police presence in the city centre, with officers visiting pubs where the match is being shown live on TV.

With tens of thousands of fans expected both at the stadium and at pubs across Greater Manchester, traffic delays are unavoidable and while GMP will be working hard to minimise disruption and ensure traffic flow, fans are advised to give themselves plenty of time to make their way to the ground.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Gold commander for the fixture, said: "The derby is always highly anticipated by both sets of fans and our aim is to help make the occasion a safe and enjoyable one.

"This particular game is not only a Manchester derby, but the semi-final of the Carling Cup, meaning that no matter what, there will be a representative of Manchester at Wembley for the final.

"As one of the host cities for the 2018 World Cup bid, this truly is a great day for Manchester to shine and we would ask that fans play their part by behaving sensibly and do the city proud.

"Yes there is going to be banter between the fans, but it’s when that banter turns into aggressive and violent behaviour that the city of Manchester will suffer.

"I would like to stress that although the rivalry has always been there between the fans, previous derby matches have passed off largely peacefully and without major incident.

"Of the tens of thousands of fans who will be watching the game both at the ground and in licensed premises, it is only a small minority who cause trouble and try and spoil it for everyone, and we will not hesitate to make arrests of troublemakers."

"Greater Manchester Police is very experienced at policing football matches and this game will be no exception.

"We will have the appropriate number of officers and resources within the ground and the surrounding areas to both deal with any incidents and offer reassurance to the public."

One more day for Villa applications

Executive members and season ticket holders have until 08:00 tomorrow to apply for tickets to see United take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on February 10.

United have got approximately 2,315 tickets priced at £43 for adults, £30 for over 65s and £24 for under 16s.

On January 6, we predicted United would get 2,347 tickets for this game and got the prices spot on.

Last season, reds paid £35 for adults and £21 for over 65s and under 16s and the allocation was 2,800.

Liverpool got the same number last season and had it reduced by about 500 this season due, Aston Villa said "to persistent standing" in the Liverpool end.

Aston Villa have not yet responded to our request for them to clarify the reason for the reduction.

Apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000. Ballot results are expected to be out on January 27.

United in the news

Glazers could take £130m out of Manchester United next year (David Conn and Owen Gibson, The Guardian)

They can take almost £130m cash out of the club next year alone if enough lenders sign up for the bond they have launched to borrow £500m for United. More.

Glazer's SOS to Man Utd stars (Phil Thomas, The Sun)

THE Glazer family have gone cap in hand to Manchester United's players - effectively asking them for a multi-million pound loan! More.

Fergie will unleash the big guns against City (David McDonnell, The Mirror)

Wayne Rooney will lead United's attack at Eastlands tonight, but Dimitar Berbatov, who suffered a dead leg in Saturday's 3-0 win over Burnley, will be rested. More.

Manchester divided: The battle for supremacy starts at Eastlands as City host United in Carling Cup semi-final (Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail)

First the cash, then the cups. Not content with turning the tables to make their illustrious neighbours look like poor relations, Manchester City will set about raiding the family silverware as well on Tuesday night. More.

The ten best Manchester derbies (Jimmy Leach, The Independent)

Take a look back over some of the most measurable meetings between the two sides. More.

Window watch: Tottenham want £4m Ben Foster (Gary Jacob and George Culkin, The Times)

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that Ben Foster will cost £4 million after they made an inquiry about signing the England goalkeeper. More.

European Travel Club deadline looming

To get tickets for AC Milan v United in the UEFA Champions League, you must be a member of the club's European Travel Club - and the deadline for registering is tomorrow.

If you're already registered, you needn't do anything, but if you're not, you've got until 20:00 on January 19.
Details of the travel club are here.

United have got 4,500 tickets.

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United Members can apply from 08:00 on January 22 for four days.

Ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, but we expect them to cost in the region of £45 for adults, with 800 or so VIP tickets costing in the region of £80.

The tickets are expected to be in the very top tier of the Curva Nord, shown as blocks 343 to 360 here.

You can apply for tickets online or by calling United on 0161 868 8000.

If you apply, you can find out on January 27 if you have them.

If you get a ticket, you must complete an online travel report form, available via manutd.com by February 5.

The San Siro holds 80,018 people.

If you have any questions about flights, accommodation or your trip to Milan, email us at redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

United in the news

Man Utd agree £5m dial up (Neil Custis, The Sun)

UNITED have signed a £5million five-year sponsorship deal with a Nigeria mobile phone company. More.

Simpson blow for Newcastle boss Hughton (Simon Bird, The Mirror)

Chris Hughton has suffered a blow after losing out in a bid to keep Manchester United defender Danny Simpson. More.

Owen Coyle warns Manchester United off Bolton's star man (Daily Mail)

Manchester United boss Ferguson is known to be an admirer of centre-half Cahill and could make a move for the former Aston Villa man if Nemanja Vidic leaves Old Trafford for Spain. More.

United pledge to continue increasing match-day revenues (Owen Gibson, The Guardian)

They plan to reduce the number of ordinary tickets available in favour of new "sports-bar packages" that guarantee purchasers drinks, snacks and a premium seat. More.

United put trophies on the table in £500 million bond pitch to investors (Paul Kelso, Daily Telegraph)

The club confirmed that there is a contingency to raise capital from the sale and lease-back of the Carrington training ground. More.

Get the coach to Aston Villa

United are running coaches to the Aston Villa game on February 10, kick off 19:45.

Places cost £23 per person and the coaches depart from the Old Trafford N2 car park at 16:30 and will return at about 00:30.

To book, call United on 0161 868 800.

United in the news

Italians go Fior Utd flop Ljajic (The Sun)

FIORENTINA are close to signing Serbian wonderkid Adem Ljajic after he was dumped by Manchester United. More.

United finance shock: Have Glazers put Red Devils on the road to meltdown? (Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail)

Fears of financial meltdown have stalked the dreams of supporters since the Glazer family took their club into private ownership in 2005. More.

United bond issue faces stiff competition for investor cash (Owen Gibson, The Guardian)

Attempts by Manchester United's owners to refinance the club's £500m debt could be hampered by a glut of similar high-yield bond offerings. More.

Glazers have fallen into trap set for Abramovich (Sam Wallace, The Independent)

In the days before the Glazers finally took control of Manchester United in 2005, it was not debt that was the problem at Old Trafford – it was how to spend the money. More.

AC Milan ticket prices confirmed

United have confirmed that reds will get 4,500 tickets for the away end at the San Siro, mostly priced at e22 each.

According to AC Milan's pricing structure for that game, that means that United supporters will be based in the top tier of the Curva Nord.

About 80 tickets will be in the main stand on the halfway line and will cost e175.

Ticket timetable
20:00 on Tuesday - applicants must have registered for United's European Travel Club by now
08:00 on January 22 - applications open
08:00 on January 26 - applications close
09:00 on January 27 - ballot results out
20:00 on February 5 - all successful applications must have submitted a travel report to United by now
20:00 on February 5: - any unwanted tickets must have been returned to the ticket office by now
February 8 - tickets sent out

Milan hotels

If you've not booked a place to stay for United's trip to Milan on February 16, here's the pick of the best hotels and hostels.

Near the stadium

Decent
The three-star Hotel San Siro Fiera (pictured right) at 371 via Novara, is a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

You can get a single room for e55 and a double for e75 with breakfast included.

It sounds a lot, but you’re saving on transport costs and you won’t need to track down a pre-match bar in a hurry.

The only downside is you need to contact them using the website and then wait a day for them to come back to you before you can book, but it’s worth it. The hotel comes highly recommended and will do the trick if you’re just hopping in and out of Milan.


Cheap

A similar distance away, but slightly cheaper is the Hotel Edy (pictured left) at 8 Via Delle Forze Armate.

You’re looking at e38 for a single room and e60 for a double room.

It’s situated by the Bande Nere Metro station. There’s even a supermarket round the corner so you can stock up on cheap supplies before the match.

Cheapest

There is a hostel a 10-minute walk from the stadium, but it's closed for the winter, so the nearest place you'll get under £25 pp pn is in Milan centre.

In the city

Decent
If you’re looking for total comfort during your star in Milan, the four-star Hotel Golden Tulip Manin (pictured right), at 7 via Manin, is for you.

Run by the same family since 1904, this townhouse hotel is located in the centre of Milan on a quiet side street opposite the Via Palestro gardens, 500 metres from the opera house and the Duomo.

Apart from the stylish rooms and the friendly staff, the highlight of the Golden Tulip is its proximity to the Metro network, which will have you to the stadium in no time.

As you would expect it has its own restaurant and bar but it doesn’t come cheap. You’re looking at £80 pp pn based on two people sharing. That price includes breakfast. Book via expedia


Cheap
The three-star Hotel Mazzini (pictured left), at 29 Via Vitruvio, is surprisingly cheap considering the quality it offers.

It costs just £30 pp pn based on two people sharing a twin room and including a breakfast buffet.


The hotel has a private garden (not very seasonal, I know), a decent café-style bar.


And, best of all, it’s only a two-minute walk to Milane Centrale train station, from where you can catch the Metro. Book via expedia

Cheapest
If you want a cheap and cheerful place to crash near Milano Centrale Train Station, the Hotel Due Giardini (pictured left), at 47 via Benedetto Marcello, still has some places left, but you have to book doubles.

It works out as about £30 per person. Book via Hostelbookers – you only pay a 10 per cent deposit when you book and the rest on arrival.

A helping hand from the Football Supporters' Federation

Those nice people at the Football Supporters' Federation have provided a guide for Reds travelling to Milan on February 16.

Go here and you'll find lots of information about the stadium, the city, the best restaurants and what to do if you're in need of help during your stay.

In the next few weeks, we'll bring you hotel and flight information, plus a guide of what to do in Milan.

Coach it to Arsenal

The ballot results are out and, if you're one of the lucky few to have bagged a ticket for the trip to Arsenal on January 31, you're going to need a way of getting there.

If you fancy the coach, the Betty Bus is running to the game and places cost £35.

It leaves from Chorlton Street Coach Station at 08:15 and the Bishop's Blaize pub at 08:30. To book places, email your name and contact number to redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

For a fiver cheaper, you can go with United or Red Army Travel.

Alternatively, go by National Express and Tube for £15.60.
Details of all these deals - and other travel options - are here.

Aston Villa ballot ticket details out

The ticket office have revealed ticket details for United's February 10 trip to Aston Villa.

United have got approximately 2,315 tickets priced at £43 for adults, £30 for over 65s and £24 for under 16s.

On January 6, we predicted United would get 2,347 tickets for this game and got the prices spot on.

Last season, reds paid £35 for adults and £21 for over 65s and under 16s and the allocation was 2,800.

Liverpool got the same number last season and had it reduced by about 500 this season due, Aston Villa said "to persistent standing" in the Liverpool end.

We have not been able to confirm that that is the reason for United's allocation reduction.

Executive Members and season ticket holders can apply for tickets from 08:00 on Friday until 08:00 on Wednesday.

Apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000. Ballot results are expected to be out on January 27.

Visit Milan in Style with Champion Sports Tours

If you're thinking of booking to see United play AC Milan in the San Siro next month, Champion Sports Tours is offering two convenient packages.

1. Day trip £229 per person

The first is a day trip, departing Manchester Airport at 07:00 on matchday - Tuesday February 16.

You will arrive at either one of the central Milan airports - Linate or Malpensa and travel by coach to and from the stadium.

You will have the afternoon to make your own way into central Milan to see the sights before returning to the stadium for kick off.

After the game, your coach will take you from outside the away end back to the airport for a return charter flight into Manchester.

2. Two-night trip from Manchester £340 per person

On Monday, February 15, you will fly from Manchester to Heathrow and then onto Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa, though you will have to have one stop at a third airport.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your four-star hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Breakfast is included.

The morning after the game, you will be transferred from your hotel back to the airport ready for a flight home.

The prices is based on two people sharing a room.

3. Two-night trip from London £275 per person

On Monday, February 15, you will fly from Heathrow to either Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa, though you will have to have one stop at a third airport.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your four-star hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Breakfast is included.

The morning after the game, you will be transferred from your hotel back to the airport ready for a flight home.

The prices is based on two people sharing a room.

People who are executive members or season ticket holders who are members of United's European Travel Club can get a match ticket through Champion Sports Tours for face value if they book one of the above trips.
Go here for more information or to book.

United in the news

Glazer family takes £20m in fees and loans from Manchester United (Owen Gibson, The Guardian)

United's owners, who loaded the club with more than £700m in borrowings to fund their purchase, have taken £10m out of the club in "management and administration fees" and have personally borrowed a further £10m in the past year, it has emerged. More.

How the Glazer family have milked debt-ridden United for millions (David Conn, The Guardian)

It is, quite simply, impossible to sustain the argument, to intelligent supporters stumping up their hard-earned cash for tickets at ever-increasing prices, that the £700m borrowings the Glazers have imposed, and £67m of interest payable last year, is having no impact. More.

United in so much debt even Ocean Finance wouldn't touch them (Daily Telegraph)

They have a plan – but it sounds about as persuasive as a daytime TV advert for debt consolidation. More.

The risk business: Manchester United reveal their worst nightmares (Oliver Kay, The Times)

The deepest, darkest fears of Manchester United’s owners have been laid bare in a 322-page document circulated among potential investors in their proposed £500 million bond issue. More.

United in £5.3m tax row (Rob Beasley, The Sun)

The tax office argue the image-right payments are taxable but the club dispute this, so the matter is heading for the courts. More.

So will Rooney be next to go? (Neil Custis, The Sun)

Only Rooney could get anywhere near the amount Ronaldo brought in and already Barcelona and Real Madrid are weighing up £70m swoops. More.

Fletcher hits back at Mark Clattenburg (David McDonnell, The Mirror)

"Saturday was disappointing because I was constantly being fouled," said Fletcher. "When I said something the ref said to me 'it's a man's game'. More.

AC Milan likely to beat Chelsea to Edin Dzeko but Blues keen on Fellaini (Daily Mail)

Dzeko, who also interested Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, has made no secret of his love for Milan and his agent, Silvano Martina, claims they are favourites. More.