NEW DAWN: Peter McMinn, managing director of Travel Solutions, Northern Ireland’s leading independent specialist tour operator, launches the company’s new range of Manchester United packages

THOUSANDS of Manchester United fans in Northern Ireland are set to travel to Manchester over the next nine months to see ‘Van The Man’ in action at Old Trafford stadium.

No we’re not talking about the legendary crooner from East Belfast but rather the Red Devils’ new manager Louis van Gaal whose reign at the helm of one of the world’s most famous football clubs kicks off in earnest against Swansea at Old Trafford next Saturday (August 16).

As the air of anticipation grows amongst Man Utd supporters across the globe, Northern Ireland’s leading independent specialist tour operator Travel Solutions is offering the club’s huge local fan base an easy, hassle free opportunity to join in the excitement at Old Trafford.

To mark the onset of the van Gaal era, Travel Solutions, official agent for Manchester United in Northern Ireland, has launched a new range of match ticket and travel options by coach, ferry or air to the Theatre of Dreams including overnight ferry and coach packages from £179 and weekend trips with overnight accommodation from £279.

And if you already have your match ticket purchased, fans can hop on the Old Trafford Express and travel by coach and ferry to Old Trafford and back for a bargain £89. Travel Solutions Managing Director and lifelong Manchester United fan Peter McMinn says that the Old Trafford trips are amongst the company’s most popular packages and expects this season to be a busy, and successful, one for the company, the club and its fans.

“There is no denying the disappointment that we all felt last season when the appointment of David Moyes at Manchester United didn’t quite work out,” said Mr McMinn, “but there is definitely a renewed sense of optimism and excitement around the club now since the arrival at Old Trafford of one of the world’s top managers Louis van Gaal.

“During the summer, he steered his Dutch team to the World Cup semi-finals, including a 5-1 demolition of defending champions Spain, and already his attacking style of football is evident at Manchester United with the club recently lifting the Champions Cup in the states, beating Real Madrid, Inter Milan and our old rivals Liverpool in the process.

“From the days when our own George Best donned the famous red short at Old Trafford, Manchester United has always had a huge following in Northern Ireland and a special relationship with local fans so, as Manchester United’s official agent in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be able to offer supporters a variety of hassle-free options to give them the chance to go and cheer on the team live during this exciting period for the club,” he added.

“The packages on offer take all the hassle out of organising a trip to Old Trafford with match tickets, ferry crossing or flights, coach travel where necessary, and a match day programme all included in the price. There are a range of different travel options available from daytrips with a return ferry crossing to ticket and flight packages with overnight hotel accommodation for fans who want to make a weekend of it with their friends or family.

“We still have availability for all the big matches covered including Chelsea on October 25, Liverpool on December 12, the Manchester derby on April 10 and what could be a vital match at home to Arsenal on May 15. However, we would urge fans to book early to avoid disappointment as these are amongst our most popular packages and tend to sell out very early,” concluded Peter.

The Travel Solutions Manchester United packages include luxury coach travel, where necessary, with local pick-up points available from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, Sprucefield, Newry, Dundalk and Drogheda (pick-up points may vary).

For more information or to book, fans should call Travel Solutions on 028 9045 5030, click on www.travel-solutions.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.

Travel Solutions 2014/15 Season Tours

Price Includes

Boxing Day by Air – Return flights from Belfast City/Manchester with Flybe, Airport taxes & security charges, reserved seats at Old Trafford – NE Quadrant*, voucher for complimentary match day programme, services of a Travel Solutions Tour Manager.

Cruise to Old Trafford – Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Port. Return overnight ferry Belfast/Liverpool with Stena Line, Reserved seats at Old Trafford – NE Quadrant*, Voucher for complimentary Match Day Programme, Visit to the National Football Museum, Services of a Travel Solutions Tour Manager

Weekend Package – Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, Sprucefield, Newry, Dundalk, Drogheda and Dublin. Return ferry Dublin/Holyhead with Stena Line, 2 nights 3* Novotel Manchester West, Full English breakfast & ‘easy dining’ evening meal, Reserved seats at Old Trafford – NE Quadrant*, Voucher for complimentary Match Day Programme, Entry to the MUFC Museum, Visit to the National Football Museum, Services of a Travel Solutions Tour Manager

Old Trafford Express* – Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Port. Return overnight ferry crossing Belfast/Liverpool.

Child discount available £20 OFF (Under 12 years). Optional Extra: En-suite cabin (sleeps up to 4 persons) – Only £110 per cabin return.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Dates may be subject to change. *Manchester United reserve the right to allocate seats in any part of the stadium