Like a Donald Trump rally, the true numbers will never be accurately known for how many Rangers fans travelled to Manchester in 2008.
An estimated 250,000 made the trip across the border, and from further afield, as the Ibrox faithful descended en masse for the UEFA Cup final.
Rangers face Manchester United on this occasion with the migration not expected to be quite as intrusive with James Tavernier expecting a rowdy reception.
James Tavernier on Rangers fans as Ally McCoist goes begging
Speaking on Talksport’s breakfast show to Jeff Stelling and Gers legend Ally McCoist, the skipper was asked for his thoughts on the type of backing that awaits the squad:
“Oh yeah! I think there will be a lot going down, obviously the lucky ones will get the tickets to get into the stadium,” said Tavernier.
“I’m needing two off you by the way…” Pleaded McCoist, looking for a couple of tickets for Old Trafford.
“It’s a bit late now!” Replied the Rangers captain, “You think I’m joking, I’m not joking!” McCoist laughed.
How many tickets are Rangers getting for Old Trafford trip?
The capacity of Old Trafford is 74,000, a near 50% bigger than Ibrox, to put things into perspective.
Rangers could probably have filled that themselves with away fans, however, UEFA regulations state that 5% of stadium capacity should be issued to travelling clubs and that is what Man Utd have stuck to.
There will be 3,768 “lucky” Rangers fans inside the famous old stadium and, despite being outnumbered by 20 to 1, they will be heard.
The travelling support is one of the best around and, so far during Clement’s tenure, they haven’t been let down.
Currently unbeaten in European away ties, the manager can break a club record if he brings a positive result back up the M6.
A journey that might see more than a few red, white and blue scarves flying from cars making the same trip north.
