It's true it does have the air of menace about it. I think it's a combination of a bum hole area of Manchester, dark nights, the organised crime parking firms, and the "fans" who have been on the ale all day acting like heros. Then you get the horrendous claustrophobia in the stadium which even the owners are considering demolishing. Then in our case the last 2 times watching us not being able to score for an hour as our hopes are smashed again.

Thinking of taking my 13 year old to OT should we get there, but I agree about the idiots making it a slightly tense atmosphere compared to Wembley. However, I think the atmosphere of a night game is also more electric.

I'm so used to losing at OT, that one more loss would be a mere flesh wound rather than a stab to the heart. And we have to win there at some point. Lots more to do though, before we can start worrying about final appearances.

Exactly this. Like a moth to a flame IF we get there I'd be compelled to go, just imagine attending all those losses and missing out....

I get all the misgivings about the place and the atmosphere and not that you should have to but as a 'veteran' there are ways of minimizing the fuss.

Yeah my tactic last time was in and out on the motorbike - stealth mission. Entered stadium 10 mins before and was out on the final whistle. One advantage of losing is that you can be away sharpish.

Can`t get away quickly, if Wigan are the opposition team.

Why not a 3pm kick off which should limit the number of pishheads entering the stadium.
Maybe after the match any trouble from drink or drugs could be sorted out in the streets & pubs of Manchistaw by GMPs finest. All right minded fans could then leave safely.

All very Tom Cruise (or George Formby?) ha ha

I've always found heading back to MCR a bit more intimidating (the walk not the Town Centre), than strolling across to Salford Quays for a consolation beer or two then in my case a tram home

More George Formby for sure.

Agree with those who've said it's a horrible atmosphere. Every time we've got there, we've had other fans being aggressive on the way back to our car, through no fault of our own, often with kids in our tow, none of us match day drinkers. I think giving the idiots a full Saturday of drinking doesn't help, but the whole experience has never been pleasant, even when taking the losses out of the equation.

Rugby union play their GF at 3pm on a sat…no reason why we shouldn’t. It’s always been a horrible occasion in a terrible setting.

Never been a fan of the Gf at Old Trafford, nothing to do with the defeats I’ve seen involving Wire. The stadium is tight, overcrowded with its compacted concourse.Been to Gfs when Wigan have played recently due to having a Warriors supporting girlfriend, and my opinion is still the same. It’s a dump of a ground which brings out the worst in people, after they’ve spent the day drinking and sniffing Charlie..

Move it to 3pm kick off at the Ethiad Stadium and make it a more family affair just like how the magic weekend used to be

I’ve even found the atmosphere in the trams intimidating