Manchester United stars looking to bowl PSG over stretch their legs ahead of Champions League clash as they walk on Lancashire’s cricket pitch
Manchester United’s change of pre-match hotel has solved issues over their punctuality at Old Trafford and also provides Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men with a chance to stretch their legs.
The United squad now stay at the hotel at the Old Trafford cricket ground – home for County Championship side Lancashire – after traffic issues blighted their arrival ahead of big games earlier this season, notably Champions League group matches with Valencia and Juventus.
And they made the most of their surroundings on Tuesday by going for a stroll on Lancashire’s pitch as they prepare to welcome French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 of the Champions League.
Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick pictured as Manchester United take a stroll on Tuesday
United are staying at a hotel nearer to Old Trafford to avoid any issues with match-day traffic
United had to delay kick-off against Valencia in October and left it late against Juventus
United have a small distance to travel now they are staying at Old Trafford cricket ground
United used to stay at the Lowry Hotel on the eve of matches but have now switched to avoid being caught in traffic caused by roadworks in the city. They have a journey of 1.6 miles from the cricket ground, where as the Lowry is 2.4 miles away.
Their group match with Valencia in October was delayed by five minutes after traffic caused United to arrive at Old Trafford 44 minutes before the scheduled 8pm kick-off.
And against Juventus, United arrived only 50 minutes before kick-off while Jose Mourinho left the stationary team bus early to walk to the stadium alone.
Solskjaer has not lost since replacing Mourinho as manager in December and United enter the match with an increasing sense of momentum.
Speaking on Monday, Solskjaer said he was relishing a European fixture at Old Trafford and wanted to ensure his players enjoy the game.
United play French giants PSG on Tuesday with a growing sense of momentum at the club
United have not lost since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho as manager
United’s unbeaten run has seen them move into the top four of the Premier League
‘My last one (European night) was when we beat Roma 7-1 (in 2007),’ he said. ‘That was a typical Old Trafford night. We’d lost 2-1 away from home but the manager was happy. He said, “We’ll be alright, we’ll win at home”, he was so confident in our ability.
‘I want my players to go into this game with confidence and embrace it.’
United were just seen going for a stroll and chatting amongst themselves as they prepare for Tuesday’s match.
In cricket, there is seemingly a jinx on players injuring themselves by playing football as a warm-up but there were no late accidents for Solskjaer to worry about.
