Commuters waited in huge queues which stretched all the way onto the tram tracks during travel chaos on the Metrolink.
Photos showed scores of people standing in the packed line at Deansgate station on Friday afternoon.
Videos from the station then showed travellers tightly packed into the trams when they were finally able to board the services.
Disruption was reported across the network due to a failed tram.
A Metrolink spokesman said there was also an increase in passengers going to cricket at Old Trafford.
A further incident of 'antisocial behaviour' at Chorlton meant the East Didsbury line was suspended, adding to the mayhem.
There was also a service change on the City Zone, Eccles, Altrincham, City Zone, Rochdale and Manchester Airport lines.
People tweeted about the travel disruption at around 6pm.
There were still major delays across the network at 6.45pm.
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Nikki Jackson tweeted: "The ‘organisation’ of getting people on trams at Deansgate is chaotic. Proper shambles."
Samuel posted: "I’m stuck at Deansgate trying to get to Chorlton, no replacement buses etc."
Manchester Evening News reporter Charlotte Green tweeted a video of commuters packed into a tram 'like a tin of sardines'.
Jameh wrote: "An abrupt stop at Deansgate as we wait patiently to see if any tram turns up that can be bring me one step closer to home."
A spokesman for Metrolink said the failed tram had moved by 6.30pm, and they were hoping to clear the queues as soon as possible.
He said more staff had been deployed to the stations to help ease the congestion.
He said: "The crowds at Deansgate were due to the failed tram. That's caused a back-up of passengers.
"Passengers are also trying to go to Old Trafford. We are aware of it and have extra staff.
"We are working hard to get the network back and have extra staff out."
