Slight edit to this: The tram from Sale Waterpark to Trafford Bar also goes through Chorlton for a potential pub stop station. Another possibility if you park up early enough is to get a return ticket into the city centre and drink there pre match, as getting a tram back out and getting off at...
Depends on what you want. If you're looking for a convenient P&R for getting to and away from Manchester, Sale Waterpark (Junction 6 off M60) is a good place as it will avoid most traffic issues. Regular trams (at least every 12 mins) from here to Trafford Bar take 10 mins, and this is less...