Old Trafford's first Pop-Up Pub an instant hit

The sizeable marquee sits in the shadow of the Stretford End and opened its doors for the first time before our kick-off against the Gunners, and then reopening for an hour after the full-time whistle – the same format that will be followed for upcoming home clashes against Burnley, this Saturday, and Chelsea, on 20 September.

There's enough room to comfortably fit 1,000 fans in, and those lucky enough to experience the first run-through were treated to free giveaways, appearances from some familiar United faces, live music and so much more.

Didn't make it? Keep scrolling to find out what you missed and why you need to work the Pop-Up Pub into your matchday routine for our next two home games...

After patiently waiting for the first glimpse of the new installation, the first wave of Reds through the door were treated to complimentary gifts from our partners Cadbury and Estee Lauder.

With freebies collected, it was time to head over to the bar to collect a quick-pour pint or soft drink to soak in the building atmosphere with.

That vibe was kickstarted by acoustic artist Fordaze, who rifled through timeless hits – plenty with a United tinge from repurposed songs straight from the Stretford End – with revellers quickly getting the brief to provide supporting vocals.

The drinks were flowing the enjoyable, and rare, Manchester sunshine; the perfect excuse to nip out to the open-air section of the Pop-Up Pub to take in the food options available.

A highlight among the culinary offerings is Manchester favourite Yard & Coop, bringing their unique line-up of chicken-based flavours from nearby Northern Quarter direct to the Pop-Up Pub.

Suitably refreshed, it was back into the tent just in time to catch an exclusive Q&A with United legend Denis Irwin, hosted by the voice of Old Trafford, Alan Keegan, with Irwin offering his thoughts on all the latest United topics, inviting fans on stage to ask questions of their own and stopping for plenty of photographs.

Following another short interlude from Fordaze, we moved onto a live team news reaction from former Red and MUTV commentator Ben Thornley up on stage, picking through Ruben Amorim's XI to face Arsenal and giving his expert views.

With the beers still flowing until half an hour out from the referee's first whistle – ahead of reopening for an hour after full-time – we closed out the pre-game entertainment with an incredible rendition of Country Roads, the adapted United lyrics sung proudly from the top of the lungs of all those present as a perfect warm-up for the short hop over to the Theatre of Dreams.

"I just think it's a great atmosphere, before the game," declared United fan Gary Wilson. "It's getting all the fans in, getting them singing, bringing a great atmosphere to Old Trafford."

Gary and his brother, Graham, are passionate United season-ticket holders who travel all the way down from just outside Edinburgh for each home game, but the pair could imagine the Pop-Up Pub becoming part of their busy matchday schedule.

"We're seeing the team bus coming in, so it's making us sing louder as the players are getting off the bus," Gary added. "It's showing them that we're going to support them and building up their stability before the game.

"I think they'll hear us singing and it'll pump them up for the game. If they can, I think they should keep making the pub bigger!"

Fellow Red Reece Cosgrove, who travelled from Warrington, agreed. He said: "Oh, it's ace. It's absolutely unreal, I must say.

"This pub being right on your doorstop, it's ideal for fans coming from up and down the country. It's great."

Thankfully, for fans like Gary and Reece, they'll get another chance to visit the Pop-Up Pub, ahead of our upcoming home games against Burnley and Chelsea.

Due to exceptional demand at the Arsenal game, where more than 2,000 fans attended across the day, doors will open at 11:00 BST on Saturday, four hours before kick-off. Once again, it’s first come, first served, so get down early to secure your place, Bryan Robson and Denis Irwin would love to see you there!