Manchester United to review travel plans after late arrival against Juventus

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Manchester United are reviewing their options for matchday travel following the late arrival of the team coach because of traffic congestion for Tuesday night’s defeat to Juventus in the Champions League.

United may also be fined by Uefa following two pitch invasions during the 1-0 defeat.

United were late for the previous Group H match with Valencia after problems with traffic, causing the game to kick off five minutes later than scheduled.

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Before that match they stayed at the squad’s usual pre-game hotel, the Lowry in Salford, which is just under three miles away. The late arrival caused the club to switch to the Hilton Garden Hotel at Old Trafford cricket ground for Tuesday’s match.

Yet while the Hilton is less than half a mile from United’s stadium the coach still took around 55 minutes to arrive, having left at 6.15pm. José Mourinho, the manager, opted to leave the vehicle and walk the final part of the journey to the ground.

The Juventus game was not subject to a major delay but did kick off two minutes late.

Greater Manchester police are unable to offer United an escort as the force would then be compelled do so for every other team. There are roadworks currently around Old Trafford and once these are over the problem of heavy traffic may be eased.

The club, though, are still to review matchday travel options. It will also do so regarding security protocols after the pitch invasions. The first occurred when one person entered the field during the first half of the defeat, the second at the end of the tie, when two people ran on to the pitch.

Uefa are awaiting the official match report. If these incidents are included United are set to be sanctioned, with a fine most likely.

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