Manchester United fans urged to leave an hour early as tram lines shut for Bournemouth clash

Manchester United supporters face an unusual travel challenge ahead of Sunday’s Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth, with tram services to Old Trafford suspended for the first time in more than ten years.

The Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles Metrolink lines are all closed until Monday 1 November while major improvement works are carried out. Services on the Airport and East Didsbury lines will also terminate at Firswood rather than continuing into the city centre, leaving fans without their usual route to the ground for the 2pm kick-off.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier than normal to ensure they arrive in time. As an alternative to the tram, shuttle buses will operate from Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange, and the Trafford Centre, running at frequencies of between five and 20 minutes depending on the route, with return services available after the final whistle.

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, acknowledged the inconvenience. “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future,” he said. “I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.”

Davies added that a range of alternatives had been arranged, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options, and ticket acceptance arrangements. He encouraged supporters to plan ahead and check routes before travelling.

For those travelling from the city centre, shuttle buses depart Piccadilly Gardens from 10am, with services every five minutes from midday. The final outbound departure is at 1:25pm. Return buses leave from Chester Road outside the Ford Garage or from Wharfside Way adjacent to the E2 car park.

Fans coming from Altrincham can board from Stand D at the interchange, with stops at Navigation Road, De Quincey Road, and Stanley Mount. Return services to Altrincham depart from Chester Road outside Tesco after the match.