first time to OT, have no idea what is around there?

Depends if you're travelling by train, coach or car.

We're pub crawling it, stopping at:
Kings Arms, Salford Arms, Mulligans, Waterhouse, Temple and Grand Central

Deansgate area such as Walkabout and up to Oxford Street/St Peters square for a tram/taxi always works. I dont think Ive ever experienced a better atmoshpere than at the The Paramount Wetherspoons (& Alibi) pub in 2010 its on Oxford street near Portland street.

Not a great deal around Old Trafford. You'd be better going into Manchester.

Oyster bar!

Near the ground you have Sam Platts, Bishop Blaize and Tollgate, good luck with those, and pay a small entrance fee.

Getting off train at oxford rd then up to the paramount, make our way down to deansgate to the row of bars including revolution, bar bar etc....then tram to salford quays, call into sam platts before heading to ground.

This. Great fun in there in 2010!

Is this the bar near the big wheel with a massive beer garden that a couple of bars seem to share

Yes.

I didn't know you liked a drink Geoff ?

Sinclairs Oyster bar / wellington / Mitre all within 10 foot of each other, then we drink our way to the Waterhouse wetherspoons on St. Peters square where we then shoe horn oursels onto a tram from there. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ordKM6FaI

Sinclairs Oyster bar / wellington / Mitre all within 10 foot of each other, then we drink our way to the Waterhouse wetherspoons on St. Peters square where we then shoe horn oursels onto a tram from there. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ordKM6FaI

Those pubs are fine, but just be aware as United are on Sky at 5pm they may be really full and last time I was there they weren't letting fans in with football tops on. When I explained I was wearing a rugby top they were OK about it. Should be OK for GF though.