Manchester United's Premier League clash with Luton Town on Saturday was an important one for the record books, as the Reds contested our 2500th competitive men's first-team fixture at the Theatre of Dreams.
In our matchday programme, United Review, we celebrated this remarkable milestone by flicking back through history to recall some of the unforgettable moments at the iconic arena - with many more to come in the future.
Below, you can read the full feature from the Luton programme, which you can still purchase online...
#1 | OPENING DAY
UNITED 3 LIVERPOOL 4 | 19 FEBRUARY 1910
Though Old Trafford’s maiden fixture hardly unfurled in the fashion United had hoped for, with leads repeatedly squandered in a seven-goal thriller against the visiting Merseysiders, the stadium’s mere opening represented a major landmark in club history. As The Umpire newspaper declared after just one match: “Old Trafford is the classic home of sport and has an association far wider and more important than is covered by this name of Manchester.”
#1 | OPENING DAY
UNITED 3 LIVERPOOL 4 | 19 FEBRUARY 1910
Though Old Trafford’s maiden fixture hardly unfurled in the fashion United had hoped for, with leads repeatedly squandered in a seven-goal thriller against the visiting Merseysiders, the stadium’s mere opening represented a major landmark in club history. As The Umpire newspaper declared after just one match: “Old Trafford is the classic home of sport and has an association far wider and more important than is covered by this name of Manchester.”
#388 | GIBSON IS SWAYED
UNITED 3 WOLVES 2 | 25 DECEMBER 1931
Six days prior, struggling United slipped to a home defeat against Bristol City watched by just 4,697 supporters. Local businessman James Gibson pledged his financial backing for the ailing Reds, contingent on greater interest from fans. Thus, on Christmas Day, a gate of 33,123 watched on as Wolves were beaten, serving up an atmosphere and spectacle which convinced Gibson to press on and save United.
#552 | CURTAINS DOWN
UNITED 2 LIVERPOOL 0 | 6 MAY 1939
The final game of the 1938/39 season saw a Jimmy Hanlon double defeat Liverpool, whose line-up included veteran right-half Matt Busby. Three months later, United kicked off 1939/40 with a 4-0 win over Grimsby at Old Trafford, but the outbreak of World War Two meant the campaign was abandoned and that result expunged from the records. Bomb damage suffered in 1941 meant the stadium wouldn’t host another game for a decade.
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