Manchester United was founded in 1878, and its original name was Newton Heath L&YR Football Club. It wasn't until 1902 that the club officially changed their name to Manchester United. The football club initially played home matches at the North Road ground before moving to Bank Street in 1893. It wasn't until 1910 that Manchester United moved to their current home, Old Trafford. The move to Old Trafford was made for the club to achieve new ambitions having won their first-ever Football League championship in 1908.
The Red Devils have experienced several eras of success. Sir Matt Busby won three league titles in the 1950s, setting up the club for a brilliant silverware-laden decade in the 1960s. Two more league titles went to Old Trafford in the 1960s, along with an FA Cup and UEFA European Cup in 1968.
The successful decades of the 1950s and 1960s sandwiched one of the biggest tragedies in European football between them. The Munich Air Disaster in February 1958 killed eight first-team players. Busby rebuilt the team around players such as George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, leading to the success of the 1960s.
The club spent the 1970s and 1980s in the shadow of long-time rival Liverpool. While the Reds won trophy after trophy, Manchester United hit their lowest point of the 20th century. Sir Alex Ferguson's arrival in 1986 might have started slow, but it changed English football forever.
The Red Devils became the dominant English club in the Premier League and Europe during the 1990s and 2000s. Under Ferguson, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. No club have won more First Division/Premier League trophies than Manchester United's 20.
Bet on Manchester United
Leading sportsbooks offer a number of betting markets on Manchester United. Each week of the football season, bettors can bet on Manchester United in multiple ways. Bettors can wager on Manchester United as the outright winner of the Premier League, Champions League, or domestic cup competitions. There is the opportunity to bet on one-off matches, players, correct scores, goals, and more.
Bettors can also wager on Manchester United in the transfer market and which player(s) will arrive at the club next. In addition, the club's status means some of the world's top managers are linked with it every week. Bettors can wager on the next manager to join the club or on whether Manchester United will sack their coach next.
Manchester United Players
Manchester United is one of the world's biggest teams, meaning some of the world's top players have joined. Old Trafford is currently the home of top players such as Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes.
Paul Pogba is the most expensive Manchester United player in history. He joined in 2016 from Juventus for a second stint with the Red Devils for a then world record fee of £89m.
Manchester United Honours
First Division/Premier League
Winners (20; record): 1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
FA Cup
Winners (12): 1908–09, 1947–48, 1962–63, 1976–77, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2015–16
Football League Cup/EFL Cup
Winners (6): 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2016–17, 2022–23
FA Charity Shield/FA Community Shield
Winners (21; record): 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016 (* shared)
European Cup/UEFA Champions League
Winners (3): 1967–68, 1998–99, 2007–08
European Cup Winners' Cup
Winners (1): 1990–91
UEFA Europa League
Winners (1): 2016–17
European Super Cup
Winners (1): 1991
Manchester United All-Time Top Goalscorers
Wayne Rooney = 253
Bobby Charlton = 248
Denis Law = 237
Jack Rowley = 211
Dennis Viollet = 179
George Best = 179
Manchester United Legends
Some of the biggest names have passed through Old Trafford over the years. Even today, one of the most talked about players is George Best, who had a mercurial rise to the top before burning out brightly. Bobby Charlton was a part of the Busby Babes and had tremendous success at the club regarding goals and trophies while also being part of the 1966 England World Cup-winning squad.
In the 1990s, after a down period, Fergie's fledglings took the club back to the highest echelons of football. David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, the Neville brothers, and Andy Cole are well-remembered era stars. Other greats who have worn Manchester United shirts more recently include Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rio Ferdinand.
Manchester United Managers
Two great Manchester United managers are Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Before leaving the club, Sir Matt Busby oversaw the team's success in the 1950s and 1960s. He won 13 major trophies in two stints with the Red Devils.
The Legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson
Introduction: Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Manchester United is synonymous with unparalleled success, unwavering leadership, and an indelible mark on the footballing world. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most decorated managers in history, Ferguson's journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic brilliance, and an insatiable hunger for victory.
Early Years and Rise to Prominence
Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure at Manchester United began in 1986 when he succeeded Ron Atkinson as manager. Coming from a successful stint at Aberdeen, Ferguson brought a vision and determination that would redefine the club's fortunes.
Building a Dynasty
Ferguson wasted no time reshaping the club to his liking, instilling discipline, professionalism, and a winning mentality within the squad. His keen eye for talent and astute transfer dealings saw the emergence of iconic players such as Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, who became the backbone of United's dominance domestically and in Europe.
Trophies Galore
Under Ferguson's stewardship, Manchester United enjoyed unprecedented success, clinching 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions League trophies, among numerous other accolades. His ability to inspire his players to perform at their best, even in the most pressure-laden situations, set him apart as a true master of his craft.
Fergie Time
"Fergie Time" became legendary during Ferguson's tenure, symbolizing the team's never-say-die attitude and penchant for dramatic late goals. Matches often seemed destined to end in United's favour, a testament to Ferguson's tactical acumen and ability to make crucial game-changing decisions.
Leadership and Management Style
Ferguson's leadership style was characterized by a perfect blend of discipline, motivation, and man-management skills. He knew how to get the best out of each player, nurturing talent while demanding excellence and commitment. His famous "hairdryer treatment" became the stuff of legend, a testament to his unwavering passion and desire for success.
Legacy and Influence
Even after his retirement in 2013, Ferguson's influence at Manchester United continues to be felt. His managerial philosophy and winning ethos have left an indelible mark on the club's culture, shaping future generations of players, coaches, and staff. The Ferguson era is a benchmark of excellence for football clubs worldwide, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Beyond Football
Ferguson's impact extends beyond the football pitch. His charitable work, leadership seminars, and contributions to the broader sporting community have earned him widespread admiration and respect. He is remembered not only as a footballing icon but also as a mentor, role model, and ambassador.
Sir Alex Ferguson's legacy at Manchester United transcends mere statistics and trophies. It is a story of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence. His imprint on the club and the footballing world will endure for generations to come, a testament to the legacy of one of the greatest managers in history.
Other Manchester United managers include:
