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5 unmissable away days for Man Utd fans in 2020

With the festive season approaching, the most die-hard United supporters will already be planning their away days for 2020. In this article, Pete Watton from matched betting specialists OddsMonkey looks at five of the best trips that no travelling fan should miss next year.

One of the most amazing things about Manchester United is the droves of loyal fans who travel the length and breadth of the UK to support the club. While some people, amazingly, get to every single away match, many fans have to pick and choose which trips they take — there are work and family commitments to consider, after all!

Recently, at OddsMonkey, we put together a Premier League pub guide to help away fans choose a nice spot for a pre-match pint. Here, I thought it would be worth going one step further and picking out the five best away days for Man Utd fans so you can choose the trips worth taking in 2020.

Arsenal vs. Man Utd — Wednesday, 1st January 2020

Best away pub: Drayton Park (66 Drayton Park, Holloway, N5 1ND)

Average pint cost: £3.93 (city) / £4.90 (stadium)

Stadium/away fan allocation: 3,000 tickets

Why this match? There’s nothing quite like a clash between two old foes on New Year’s Day — and this season could be extra important if both clubs are battling for those coveted European places. The Emirates is a totally modern stadium so, while it lacks the magic of old Highbury, you can bet on sitting in comfort with a great view. Drayton Park is just a stone’s throw away from the ground, and you can get a decent pint in there without worrying about being swamped by Gooners.

Liverpool vs. Man Utd — Saturday, 18th January 2020

Best away pub: The Arkles Pub (77 Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0TJ)

Average pint cost: £2.80 (city) / £3.90 (stadium)

Stadium/away fan allocation: 2,000 tickets

Why this match? Need I say more about this one? The North West derbies are the first fixtures that many Man Utd fans look for in May, so visiting Liverpool is always a must. Anfield is a historic stadium, so you’ll get buckets full of atmosphere and it’s almost worth attending just to attempt the challenge of trying to be heard over the racket from the Kop. That said, there are some “dodgy” seats to look out for in the away end with very restricted views — avoid these! Head to the Arkles Pub for your pre-match pint — it’s pretty friendly and still close to the ground.

Spurs vs. Man Utd — Saturday, 14th March 2020

Best away pub: The Elmhurst (131 Lordship Lane, London, N17 6XE)

Average pint cost: £3.93 (city) / £4.95 (stadium)

Stadium/away fan allocation: 3,000 tickets

Why this match? While matches against this resurgent Spurs side are usually pulsating and feisty encounters, the main draw for most travelling Man Utd fans will be the chance to visit the brand-new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It opened a matter of months ago, and this will be the first chance you’ll have to take in the ultra-modern surrounds of the stadium. New grounds don’t come around very often, so be sure to enjoy this historic visit! Grab your pre-match pint at the Elmhurst on Lordship Lane, which is the unofficial drinking hole for away fans.

Aston Villa vs. Man Utd — Saturday, 18th April 2020

Best away pub: The Witton Arms (458 Witton Road, Birmingham, B6 6SN)

Average pint cost: £3.30 (city) / £3.50 (stadium)

Stadium/away fan allocation: 3,000 tickets

Why this match? There’s something quite pleasing about visiting a familiar away ground when the club has been away (relegated) for a few years — like stepping into a pair of comfy old shoes. This will be the first time in three years that United fans will have had the chance to visit Villa Park for a Premier League match, so make the most of it! The closest friendly pub is the Witton Arms, though you may need to cover your colours to enter, so be warned.

Leicester City vs. Man Utd — Sunday, 17th May 2020

Best away pub: The Hind (49 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PD)

Average pint cost: £3.23 (city) / £3.90 (stadium)

Stadium/away fan allocation: 3,000 tickets

Why this match? Recommending this away game is a little bit of a gamble — with it being the last match of the season, there could be everything for Man Utd to play for or there could be nothing. Still, the final game is usually a dramatic event to attend, as results roll in from everywhere else and champions, Europe qualifiers, and relegation is decided. It does help that Leicester is an enjoyable, atmospheric away trip — one of the ten best, according to FourFourTwo — making the journey worthwhile. Head to the Hind, which is handily close to the train station, to get your pre-match pint.

Keep these five matches in mind when you’re planning your away days in 2020 and you’re sure to be in for the best weekend trips around. Hopefully, the football is just as good as the experience.