The OT Story : 1963 - 1974

The OT Story: 1963-1974

As Matt Busby’s third great United team surged from strength to strength during the 1960s, Old Trafford underwent a radical transformation. Not only did the ground’s costly and fashionable face-lift reflect the optimism of the decade – but it began to create the luxurious stadium we sit in today.

In 1962, United were already considering major expansion when their plans were given fresh impetus by the news that England was to host the World Cup finals in four years’ time. The club was asked to stage three games and was awarded the considerable sum of £40,000 towards the cost of preparation.

So, in 1964, down came the cover along the United Road side and up went a sleek cantilever stand running the length of the ground and turning into both corners, allowing for later development. There were seats for 10,500 behind a standing paddock for 10,000. It was an impressive edifice, symbolising United’s emergence as a world soccer power.

Significantly, the new stand featured the first private