No trams will run to Old Trafford on a matchday for the first time in over a decade

Transport bosses are advising Manchester United fans to set off AN HOUR earlier than normal on Sunday with no trams running to Old Trafford on a matchday for the first time in more than a decade.

The Reds face Bournemouth at home in the Premier League on Sunday (October 25), kick-off at 2pm. However, fans will not be able to get to the ground by tram due to line closures.

No trams are running on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccels lines until Monday, November 1, whilst major improvement works are carried out.

Metrolink services on the Airport and East Didsbury lines will also only go as far as Firswood.

As an alternative, shuttle buses will be running from Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange, and the Trafford Centre, to the ground, with frequencies from every five to 20 minutes depending on the route. There will also be return services after the final whistle.

In a statement, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which runs the Bee Network, said it was 'advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.'

Ian Davies, TfGM's Network Director for Metrolink, said: "There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.

“We've put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements that will help fans get to and from the game.

"Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium."

Shuttle bus details

Manchester city centre to Old Trafford

Shuttle buses will run from Piccadilly Gardens to the ground from 10am. From midday services will operate every five minutes.

The final departure will be at 1:25pm.

Return services will depart from from either Chester Road (outside the Ford Garage) or Wharfside Way adjacent to the E2 car park.

Altrincham to Old Trafford

Shuttle buses will depart from Stand D at Altrincham interchange and call at Navigation Road, De Quincey Road and Stanley Mount.

From midday services will operate every five minutes.

Following the match, return services to Altrincham will depart from Chester Road outside Tesco.

The Trafford Centre to Old Trafford

Buses will run from the Trafford Centre bus station from midday. Services will depart every seven minutes.

The final departure will be at 1:14pm.

Following the match, return services to the Trafford Centre will depart from Wharfside Way adjacent to the N2 car park.

All Bee Network tickets will be accepted on all the services, or tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.