Manchester United | History, Kit, Sponsors & Club Value

Once a dominant force in English football with a record of four consecutive Premier League titles, Manchester United now find themselves struggling to find a place in the top half of the Premier League table. Embodying the turmoil the club is going through, even its stadium has reached the point of being declared an abandoned relic owing to the prevalent waterlogging, mice infestation, and overall mismanagement carried out in the club's stead.

Post Alex Ferguson's era, who is arguably the best manager for Manchester United, is in the mud. The post-Ferguson era hit Manchester United hard with problems, as it lost its dominance in the domestic league, and the club's popularity has been decreasing through its consistently poor performance. But in the 2024-25 season, after Erik Ten Hag's departure and Ruben Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford, brings a new hope, as the Red Devils are hoping that Ruben Amorim will stand out as a problem solver in Manchester United; However, the job is not easy, as he have to fill the shoe of all time greats like, Sir Alex Ferguson and Matt Busby.

Manchester United History – Founding, Growth & Milestones

Early Years: Manchester United were founded as Newton Heath LYR FC in 1878, based at Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. And later changed their name from Newton Heath LYR FC to Manchester United in 1902, and that was the first and last name change in Manchester United history. The club started its football journey were playing against Railway teams, cause the founder members of the Netown Heath LYR were some Railway workers. In 1888, one of the founding members of Manchester United FC decided to form a football league, and Manchester United were also included in the Football Alliance. In the 1892-93 season, Manchester United started its journey in the English Football League. After spending a couple of seasons in the first division, they were relegated to the second division, which was the first time in Manchester United history.

Since its founding, it have been managed by the board of members, which led the club into the swamp of debt. In 1903, Manchester United finished as Second Division runners-up in 1906 and secured promotion to the First Division, which they won in 1908, which was the club's first league title in Manchester United history. In 1910, Manchester United FC moved to Old Trafford, and Manchester United won their second league title in Manchester United history. After the First World War, Manchester United again faced a relegation battle and were relegated to the Second Division. Next season, they again faced a relegation battle, and this time they saved themselves from relegation.

Busby Babes: In 1945, one of the successful managers in Manchester United history, Sir Matt Busby, was appointed as the manager at Old Trafford. Matt Busby's first demand were after becoming the boss of the Red Devils, as he wanted to take control over Manchester United's transfer and youth academy. Matt Busby's managed lads were famous as "Busby Babes", due to their passion for the game, and rather than relying on expensive transfers, Matt Busby started young talents from the academy of Manchester United. Under Busby's managerial tenure, Manchester United have won multiple FA Cup trophies, a league title after 41 years, and became the first team in England to be crowned European Cup champions. On February 6, 1958, Matt Busby's “ Busby Babes” were travelling to Munich, Germany, for a European Cup match, but in midair, their plane crashed due to some combination of issues in the plane; 8 players died, and others were heavily injured. After the Munich Air Disaster, Matt Busby reformed the team and made the trio of Dennis Law, George Best, and Bobby Charlton, and the trio is still famous as the Holy Trinity.

Sir Alex era: After Matt Busby's retirement, a new tension was brought to Old Trafford, as their lack of success in the league and continental competitions also. In 1985, Atkinson was sacked, and on the same day, Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed as the new manager of the Red Devils. In that season, Sir Alex helped Manchester United finish the league stage in 11th place. And he was reportedly on the verge of being sacked, but a FA Cup win over Crystal Palace saved his job. The following season, Manchester United claimed their first UEFA Cup Winners' Cup title. In the 1998-99 season, Sir Alex Ferguson's side became the first team in England to conquer the treble, as they won, UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and the FA Cup in a single season. Sir Alex Ferguson won a total of 38 major trophies during his time as manager of Manchester United. This includes 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 10 Community Shields, 2 Champions League titles, 1 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as a club manager.