Manchester United - Brief History

Manchester United

Brief History

Flair, Passion and class is often associated with Manchester United. It’s hard to believe that Man Utd started out as Newton Heath in 1880.

Newton Heath was a local football team of carriage and wagon workers from Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Things were looking bad for Newton Heath on and off the field, and in early 1902 they were £2,270 in debt. The first financial crisis hit the club. It proved to be the end of Newton Heath, and the birth of Manchester United

Here are some key events in Manchester United’s history:

Munich Air disaster

This was the most tragic and saddest event in United’s history. The day following the team's triumph in Belgrade - February 6th 1958 - United's plane stopped to refuel in Munich. The weather was harsh, with sub-freezing temperatures and an icy runway. Two attempts were made to take off with little success. A third, and final, attempt was made. The aircraft rose, only to fall again, crashing and bursting into a ball of flames. 23 people in total died and many lay injured in hospital. It was the worst accident in football history, the darkest day in United's history, and a premature end to potentially the greatest team in British, if not world football at that time.

The news stunned not only the people of Manchester, but the entire country and beyond.

European cup (1968)

Ten years after the Munich air disaster Manchester United were in the European Cup final.

The final took place at Wembley and Manchester United were playing Benfica.

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The news stunned not only the people of Manchester, but the entire country and beyond.

European cup (1968)

Ten years after the Munich air disaster Manchester United were in the European Cup final.

The final took place at Wembley and Manchester United were playing Benfica.

United took the lead with a goal from captain Bobby Charlton, only for the Portuguese champions to hit back. Extra-time was required. United again took the initiative. Best scored their second, followed by a third from birthday boy Brian Kidd, just 18 and in the team as a replacement for broken leg victim Law. Bobby Charlton - a Munich survivor himself - completed the rout and a 4-1 victory. It was a wonderful moment for all those with United in their hearts; a dedication to the memory of those killed or injured at Munich.

Treble 99

United began the 1998/99 season desperate to regain the trophies they had lost to Arsenal the previous season. Alex Ferguson had brought in Jaap Stam from PSV Eindhoven, along with Dwight Yorke, who immediately struck up a telepathic partnership with Andy Cole. The Club's 5th Premiership title in seven seasons was secured on the final day of the League campaign with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. United, though still had two trophies to fight for. The FA Cup Final had been reached with dramatic victories in the third round at home to Liverpool, and an eventful semi-final replay against Arsenal, which included a red card for Roy Keane, a penalty save in the final minute of normal time by Peter Schmeichel and an incredible solo goal to win the match from Ryan Giggs. The final was less eventful, United claiming their third Double in just six seasons with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle.

Four days later Alex Ferguson led his men out again, this time in the final of the European Champions League at Barcelona's Nou Camp Stadium. United's run to the final had included some of the best games in the competition, including two 3-3 draws in the group stage against Barcelona and a 3-2 win in Turin against Juventus in the semi-final, coming from two goals down to win. It was in that semi-final that both Roy Keane and Paul Scholes picked up yellow cards, which meant both were suspended for the final. In Keane's absence Peter Schmeichel, who was playing his last game for the club, took the captain's armband. Their opponents in the final were Bayern Munich, who were also after a treble having like United won their domestic Double. It seemed as if United would fall short at the final hurdle, the Germans leading 1-0 with only a couple of minutes remaining. Alex Ferguson had gambled on a double substitution, bringing on both Sheringham and Solskjaer. It was an inspired decision. With the clock ticking past 90 minutes United won a corner. A goalmouth scramble resulted in a miss-hit shot from Ryan Giggs that was turned in by Sheringham. United had a lifeline. But they were not finished there. The Germans were shell-shocked and were hanging on as United pressed for the winner in injury time. Another corner was flicked on by Sheringham, and Ole Solskjaer prodded home the goal which gave them an unprecedented Treble. The team arrived home to a hero's reception, with the streets of Manchester bedecked in Red as the fans welcomed the victors' home. Having achieved what no manager had achieved before, Alex Ferguson was awarded a Knighthood for his services to football. During that historic season United had been the subject of a takeover bid from Rupert Murdoch's BskyB organisation. The United board came out in favour of the proposed change of leadership, but the fans staged a revolt. It proved to be the right decision, United later becoming the first club to be worth more than £1billion.