We’ve all heard and referred to the home of “Manchester United” as “The Theatre of Dreams.” But where does this nickname actually originate?
“Old Trafford” is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. For many years, it has been the stage for epic battles, witnessing the significant triumphs and devastating losses of the “Red Devils.”
In the Trafford area, there were two manors – “Old Trafford” and “New Trafford.” It is said that the former was the residence of the de Trafford family from 1017 until they moved to the latter manor sometime between 1672 and 1720. The area surrounding the old manor, which was demolished in 1939, began to be called Old Trafford, a name that was also given to the stadium of “Manchester United.”
The “Red Devils” were originally known as “Newton Heath” and played their matches at “North Road” and later at “Bank Street” in Clayton. However, these stadiums were in poor condition. The club’s chairman at the time, John Henry Davies, saved “United” from bankruptcy in 1909. After the team was renamed, he decided they needed a new stadium. Having just won the First Division and the FA Cup, the “Red Devils” were in need of a proper home. Davies funded the construction of the new facility.
“Manchester United” has called “Old Trafford” home since 1910. Due to reconstruction from 1941 to 1949, the “Red Devils” shared a stadium with their city rivals “Manchester City,” both playing at “Maine Road” during this period.
The nickname “The Theatre of Dreams” was coined by team legend Sir Bobby Charlton. He famously declared: “This is Manchester United Football Club, this is The Theatre of Dreams!” In 1987, John Riley immortalized this phrase in his book titled “Football.” Since then, the phrase “The Theatre of Dreams” has been synonymous with “Old Trafford.”
For decades, the home of the “Red Devils” has boasted the largest capacity in the Premier League – just over 74,000 seats. Under Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership, the stadium truly became “The Theatre of Dreams,” where the most cherished fantasies of “United” fans came to life with the Scottish manager at the helm!
