Mourinho will walk, if traffic problems continues

Jose Mourinho is confident Manchester United will get to Old Trafford on time against Young Boys and avoid the travel issues that have hampered their preparations during the Champions League campaign.

United could seal progress to the knockout phase on Tuesday evening, when they will be hoping traffic does not prove problematic for the third successive home match in the competition.

UEFA fined the club 15,000 euros (around £13,000) for their late arrival and the subsequent delayed kick-off of their Champions League match against Valencia in October.

Those issues reappeared later that month, with Juventus arriving 65 minutes before kick-off and United getting to Old Trafford just 50 minutes prior to play getting under way.

United boss Mourinho decided to walk to the ground and is ready to do so again, but is hopeful those issues have now been smoothed over.

“We decided to change hotel, so we are not coming from Manchester city centre,” he said.

“We are going to stay in hotel just a few metres away and the information I have from the club and the club contacts with the police is that things are going to be much better than the last time. But if it isn’t better, I walk!”

The issues in the team navigating their way through Manchester’s traffic are partly due to roadworks being compounded by rush hour traffic.

Those issues could be further exacerbated by the Christmas markets and 3,000 Young Boys fans being escorted to Old Trafford from the city centre.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Graeme Openshaw and Match Commander for the game said: “We are working closely with Manchester United Football Club, local councils and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure we do everything possible to minimise disruption.

“The supporters will be escorted to the stadium at around 4.30pm from Shambles Square, during which time traffic will be temporarily stopped on several roads but we’ll endeavour to keep traffic flowing wherever possible.

“Those travelling to Old Trafford to watch the game should allow plenty of time to contend with traffic and security checks at the stadium and we would ask commuters and motorists to plan their journeys in advance and take into account the large volume of people that will be in and around the area during this time.”

A spokesperson for Manchester United said: “We understand the impact that traffic congestion is having on our supporters.

“We have consulted with TfGM and GMP to get their support and advice in advance of the BSC Young Boys game and are communicating this directly to all ticket purchasers prior to the game.”