Known as North England’s most underrated tourist destination, Manchester is fast gaining pace on Leicester and London to be one of Britain’s leading cities. Wrapping its’ footy friendly arms around the world, this ever changing landscape is not only the birth place of capitalism but a city with an urban and a uniquely European joie de vivre that is found nowhere else in the continent. With its ultra chic Castlefield region and the free and easy Northern Quarter, it is no wonder that the home of the world’s most prolific football clubs is one of Britain’s best kept secrets.
A melting pot of culture and history, Manchester is whereThe Lowry Art Gallery, Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens and a number of illustrious museums such as the People’s History Museum , the Jewish Museum , the Imperial War Museum North and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester are located.
But one of the city’s most endearing landmarks is undoubtedly situated in Old Trafford . Synonymous with world class players such as David Beckham, Roy Keane and Gary Neville, the Manchester United Football Club is no less than an institution that is irrevocably mingled with the city’s identity and popularity. As one of the globe’s wealthiest and famed football clubs, Man U brand’s reach stretches far beyond the boundaries of this great city and even Britain as a colossal foot-balling powerhouse which has garnered supporters from across the world.
As winners of the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2008–2009 Premier League, Manchester United has won a total of 22 major titles since 1986. Holding the joint record for the most number of English league and FA Cup victories, it is the world’s most successful sporting body worth a whopping 1.136 billion pounds in April ’09.
Now fans have the opportunity to take a trip through time to the club’s historic rise to fame at the Manchester United Tour Centre with unparalleled access to the club’s legacy in English football history. Opened in April ’08 by football icon Pele the museum offers an interactive and comprehensive look at the club’s past.
The gold brandished honours and mantels of championships won from 1908 when the club won the First Division Football League title are displayed in the Trophy Room. Visitors can marvel at the club’s extensive accomplishments over the years.
The Legends Departments is a hall of fame for the club’s greatest players who have helped put Manchester United on the world map with their courage, strength and leadership. Exhibits devoted to Cantona, Charlton Best and Law are found in this section while the Munich quarter houses photographs, newspaper items and personal belongings of the fateful Busby Babes as a tribute to that tragic day in February 1958.
Vibrant recollections and memorabilia from the club’s 1998-99 Treble-winning season is found in The Treble Exhibition where visitors have the chance to experience the ten days leading up to Sir Alex Ferguson’s team defeating Arsenal to win the Premiership title and then the FA Cup.
The evolution of the team’s colours, jerseys and shirt styles are explored in the Kit area which documents changes from Sandy Turnbull’s jersey in the club’s first FA Cup to the attire worn by Brian Kidd in 1968’s European Cup final.
The museum also houses an electronic archive of the club’s impressive list of players at the Man-U-Net which also offers a host of other interactive options. Whether you are a Manchester United devotee or not, one is sure to be enthralled at this well-collaborated museum dedicated to English football’s finest team.
For those who are looking for a Manchester hotel that offers easy access to the museum and other key attractions, look no further than the Copthorne Hotel Manchester. Ideally situated, this charming rest is a hotel Manchester is proud to call its own.