The OT Story: 1992-2002

his  testimonial at Old Trafford before the bulldozers moved in. That summer a stream of nostalgic fans dropped into Old Trafford to pick up a brick or fragment of rubble as a keepsake. They were greeted by the spectacle of two giant cranes towering above an empty space where the headquarters of the Red and White Army used to be.

The eerie atmosphere in the ground continued during the 1992/93 season as construction work dictated a much-reduced capacity, though each section of the new West Stand was opened as soon as possible. By midwinter fans were installed at ground level, albeit exposed to the elements and kitted out in plastic macs (provided by the club) when the heavens opened.

The new Stretford End – which involved extending the cantilever roof around the whole stadium – cost a reported £12million. As if that were not enough, the club also invested in a press conference centre under the main stand and a much-needed new public-address system. On the pitch events progressed even more satisfactorily as the Reds, inspired by new signing Eric