On Thursday, 23 January, Rangers will travel south to face Manchester United in the Europa League. It is set to be one of the biggest games of the competition so far with both teams vying for a spot in the top eight.
Rangers fans have enjoyed themselves in Europe in recent years and while this won't be their final away day of the season, it's likely that it will be their biggest.
For the Rangers fans in Manchester this week, here is our full matchday guide to Old Trafford.
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How many Rangers fans are going to Manchester?
Rangers have been given 3,768 tickets for the match, and to nobody's surprise, these tickets were snapped up very quickly by eligible supporters. Authorities are anticipating that many more Rangers fans will be heading to Manchester this week without tickets, though, which will evoke memories of the 2008 UEFA Cup final.
Back then, Rangers brought around 150,000 fans to Manchester and ultimately ended up rioting after a big screen in the city centre went off halfway through the match. While there won't be as many Rangers fans in Manchester this time round, there should still be plenty without tickets.
There is a Rangers fan zone being put on at the BEC Arena in Trafford Park near to the stadium and the 2,000-capacity arena has sold out for it.
Where will Rangers fans sit at Old Trafford?
Those Gers fans lucky enough to get Rangers vs Man Utd tickets in the away end will be situated in the southeast corner of Old Trafford between the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and the East Stand. The away end for European games is slightly larger which means some fans will wrap further around the East Stand and closer to the goal at the end of the pitch.
Man Utd have undertaken every effort to try and prevent Rangers fans buying tickets in the home sections but it wouldn't be a surprise to see a few Scottish fans pop up in certain areas.
Rangers Ultras takeover in Manchester on Thursday ??? pic.twitter.com/KQpTncmUqA
— Dan Gardner (@Dan_Gardner8) January 17, 2025
Full fans’ matchday guide for Man Utd vs Rangers
Where to eat & drink for Rangers fans in Manchester
Manchester has plenty of options for food and drink so Rangers fans will be spoilt for choice on Thursday. Most are expected to stay in the city centre until close to kick-off, and some of the best bars that serve decent food include:
- Bunny Jacksons – 1 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA
- The Gasworks – 5 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA
- Society – Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD
For fans who want to get something to eat closer to the stadium, there are a few restaurants in Salford Quays which is a 20-minute walk from the stadium. Good options here include:
- Unagi – Unit G1, The Quays, Salford M50 3AG
- The Alchemist – The Bund, The Quays, MediaCity UK, Salford M50 3AB
- Banana Tree – Unit G40B, The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford M50 3AZ
If you just want a drink, then there are several pubs close to Old Trafford, but some won't allow away fans in.
How to get to Old Trafford: Guide for Rangers fans in Manchester
For fans in the centre of Manchester, the easiest way to get to Old Trafford is to use the Metrolink. There are various different trams that you can get on, which means you aren't really bound by times as they come every four to six minutes.
The best tram to get on would be a Trafford Centre tram from Deansgate-Castlefield to Wharfside. From here, the stadium is a stone's throw away. This service is also quieter than most as most fans automatically get on an Altrincham service to Old Trafford; however, the walk from Old Trafford station to the stadium is longer than the one from Wharfside to the stadium.
Fans can also use a Media City service to Exchange Quay or an East Didsbury service to Trafford Bar.
Pubs to watch Manchester United vs Rangers
If you can't make it to the game but have made it to Manchester, there are several good local pubs where you can watch the game on TV.
Box is considered the best sports bar in the city centre. It has screens everywhere, excellent food, and two seating levels, making it a top match-day choice. Expect crowds for major games. 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY.
Sawyers Arms, across the street, shows live football and features a giant projector screen. 138 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2RP.
The Lost Dene, next to Sawyers Arms, offers a similar experience but has a slightly better pint selection. 144 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EE.
Tib St Tavern, in the popular Northern Quarter, is the area's leading sports bar; reservations are recommended for seating. 74 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG.
Shack resembles Doctor Who’s Tardis—unassuming outside but expansive downstairs, making it ideal for watching football. 69 High St, Manchester M4 1FS.
Boom Battle Bar, opened in 2022 at Printworks, features live sports and various games like darts and ping pong, perfect for a fun night. Unit 2A, The Printworks, Manchester M4 2BS.
Bierkeller's Shooters Bar inside Printworks is excellent for football, especially with pre-booked table service to keep up with the game. The Printworks, Manchester M4 2BS.
Walkabout is simple, offering a relaxed vibe for a pint and game viewing among nearby options. 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS.
Directors Box, a two-minute walk from St Peter’s Square Metrolink, is smaller than others but cosy. 37 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AA.
The Brotherhood Of Pursuits And Pastimes has two floors with ample screens and seating, making it a popular spot for football fans, with excellent food and drinks. 2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ.