United fans share sadness as legendary Old Trafford pub is boarded up - but not all is as it seems

The Trafford is known far and wide for being one of the places for United fans to be during match days at Old Trafford - in fact, it's specifically only open on match days.

The watering hole on Chester Road is nothing extraordinary - it does exactly what it says on the tin - but it has a firm reputation with Red football fans and is an institution in the area. There's even a mural of former United player Christiano Ronaldo near its entrance in case anyone is still unsure of which team the pub supports.

So when news emerged that the shutters had come down on the pub earlier this week, fans were quick to express their sadness at the venue's apparent closure by sharing fond memories of their time there.

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“So sad to see,” one local posted online alongside a photo of the pub with metal shutters over its doors and windows. “The end of an era.”

One recalled: “Many a session in the Trafford”. Another said: “That's sad. Was a great pub in my youth. love it in there.”

Another added: “Went in here at my first United game, part of the day that made me falling in love with going to the football”. Another fan wrote: “It is a shame, had many drinks in here and Sam Platts before United games. Running out of boozers near the ground.”

But, it appears not all is as it seems. The M.E.N was able to reach out to the pub’s owners who confirmed the venue will not be closing. Instead, it is currently undergoing a change of ownership and is set to be reopened in the near future.

A spokesperson for the Trafford said: “It’s not closed down, it’s a change of ownership.” The spokesperson said the boarded up windows and doors were installed for security