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Transport chaos as Metrolink electrical fault leaves United fans facing walk back from Old Trafford game

News | 17th February 2022

By Isabella Coombes

Tags:

  • Major Metrolink electrical fault between Old Trafford and Altrincham meant football fans were advised to walk back to the city centre following Manchester United's win against Brighton
  • Engineers worked through the night following the overhead line fault but commuters had to find alternative modes of transport
  • Metrolink says repair work continues to take place with the Altrincham and East Didsbury lines remaining suspended until further notice

 

A major Metrolink electrical fault between Old Trafford and Altrincham meant football fans had to walk back to the city centre following Manchester United’s win against Brighton on Tuesday.

The disruption occurred when a tram became stranded on the approach to Stretford Station after its overhead power source became entangled with the main powerline. 

Although limited replacement bus services were put on by Metrolink,  there was no post-match service operating between Wharfside and Trafford Centre resulting in hundreds of fans walking the 2.9-mile journey back to the city centre.

Fans began to leave the stadium with 15 minutes of game time remaining, racing to get Ubers and taxis having heard earlier PA announcements warning of the “electrical faults” to Metrolink services.

After a lacklustre first half from the home side, it appeared that those leaving were satisfied that United would not score or concede following Ronaldo’s goal in the 51st minute. 

But those determined to stick out the six minutes additional time were rewarded with a second goal from Bruno Fernandes, sealing United’s victory against Brighton in the closing 97th minute. 

For many, the journey home from Old Trafford was have been more exciting than what should have been an easy win against a 10-man Brighton, with defender Lewis Dunk being sent off early into the second half for catching Anthony Elanga on the edge of his own box. 

Brighton appeared more than comfortable maintaining considerable control in the first half with David De Gea making a “spectacular” save against Jakub Moder’s header.

However, both teams drew the first half to a stale 0-0,  neither side making changes into the second half. 

Brighton supporters sang out “We forgot that you were here!” across the stadium to the home fans, only to be undermined by Ronaldo’s Goal which finally marked an end to the player’s barren spell. 

Transport issues for commuters on Wednesday morning as passengers are likely to encounter sustained disruptions to Metrolink operations on the Altrincham, East Didsbury and Aiport lines as services take time to reform.

Metrolink has apologised to travellers, saying all incomplete journeys made after 7 pm on Tuesday via contactless payment would be automatically refunded. It advised customers with all other ticket refund requests to do so on the TfGM website.