Source: Daily_Mail
Old Trafford turns 100: Sportsmail looks back at stadium's landmark events
Old Trafford celebrates its 100th birthday today, its place in the folklore of British sport firmly established in a century when it has become the most famous landmark in Manchester.[LNB]Here, Sportsmail looks at 10 of the most momentous occasions in the stadium's proud history.[LNB] Theatre of dreams: Old Trafford is one of the most famous football grounds in the world[LNB]19 February 1910: United play first match at their new home[LNB]After previously residing at North Road and Bank Street, United, who used to be known as Newton Heath, took up residence at Old Trafford, a new 80,000 capacity stadium constructed at a cost of £60,000. The opening game ended in a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool.[LNB]25 March 1939: Wolves and Grimsby fans make up record attendance in FA Cup semi-finalSurprisingly, Old Trafford's biggest attendance was not for a game involving Manchester United.[LNB]The landmark was achieved in an FA Cup semi-final between Wolves and Grimsby. The figure? 76,962.[LNB]11 March 1941: Old Trafford comes under attack from Luftwaffe during World War II Having survived one bombing raid, Old Trafford once more came under attack from the Luftwaffe.[LNB]The damage was so extensive it was 1949 before the stadium could be reopened for football, forcing United to seek temporary shelter with City at Maine Road.[LNB]4 April 1953: United legend Duncan Edwards makes his first appearance for clubThe arrival of arguably United's greatest player. Even Sir Bobby Charlton admits Duncan Edwards was the best.[LNB]As a 16-year-old, Edwards made his bow in a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff. The sadness was that he died along with so many others in Munich less than five years later.[LNB] Legend: Duncan Edwards is one of the greatest players to have ever worn the red of Manchester United[LNB] 21 March 1984: United come back to see off Barcelona on magical European nightAsk fans to pick out an Old Trafford memory and there are plenty to choose from. But was any better than this?[LNB]Against a Barcelona team containing Diego Maradona at his peak, United were 2-0 down from the first leg but roared back, with Bryan Robson carried off shoulder high for an astounding performance. Frank Stapleton's winner was said to produce a noise never bettered at the old ground.[LNB]Watch highlights of a famous Old Trafford night ....[LNB][LNB]3 May 1993: It's party time as United celebrate their first league title win for 26 years Old Trafford had waited 26 years to acclaim the champions. The first Premier League title had been won the previous day. This was a time to party, and the atmosphere was sensational as a hungover United team beat Blackburn 3-1.[LNB] Party time: Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson celebrate United's first title win in 26 years[LNB] 9 October 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank produce boxing classicSo famous for football, Old Trafford was the venue for one of the most memorable fights in British boxing history when Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn battled each other to a standstill - and a draw in their WBC/WBO super-middleweight unification fight.[LNB] Memorable: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank produced a boxing classic at Old Trafford[LNB]6 October 2001: David Beckham scores dramatic late free-kick to send England through to World Cup finalsWhen Wembley was closed for rebuilding, England played at a number of grounds, including Old Trafford.[LNB]There was drama aplenty too when the Three Lions took on Greece and required an injury-time David Beckham free-kick to seal a place at the 2002 World Cup.[LNB]28 September 2004: Wayne Rooney fires magnificent hat-trick on his United debut[LNB]There have been many debuts at Old Trafford. But probably none was as dramatic as the way Wayne Rooney announced himself to the Red Devils faithful, firing home a sensational hat-trick against Fenerbahce.[LNB] 6 February 2008: Manchester is united to remember 50th anniversary of Munich air crashThere have been many poignant days too. But probably none as moving as the day red and blue came together to honour the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash.[LNB]There were worries beforehand over the behaviour of City's supporters, but they remained silent on an emotional afternoon. On the pitch, City took the honours with a 2-1 win. [LNB] Poignant: Fans gather outside Old Trafford on the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Crash in 2008[LNB] Darren Fletcher claims Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is now 'unplayable' after his two goals stun AC MilanWayne Rooney destroys AC Milan - Italian press laud United 'phenomenon'Fergie predicts head boy Rooney will smash 30-goal barrier after Milan doubleMANCHESTER UNITED FC
