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True Manchester United fans may well keep up with the current happenings in the
club, not many people know of the rich and varied history of our boys in red.
Arguably the most successful club in the history of English football, Manchester
United is also the richest football club on the planet, with the estimated value of the
club standing at an impressive $2.3bn (£1.5bn).
club, not many people know of the rich and varied history of our boys in red.
Arguably the most successful club in the history of English football, Manchester
United is also the richest football club on the planet, with the estimated value of the
club standing at an impressive $2.3bn (£1.5bn).
However, the journey to success for Manchester United has witnessed several ups
and downs, making the history of the club a topic of interest for football fans across
the globe. Let’s take a peek at some little known facts about the club’s history and
home ground, Old Trafford:
the globe. Let’s take a peek at some little known facts about the club’s history and
home ground, Old Trafford:
The Early Days
• Manchester United FC was formerly known as Newton Heath L&YR FC
representing the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Depot at Newton Heath.
The club was founded in 1878 but plunged into bankruptcy in 1902.
Manchester Breweries Director, J.H. Davies stepped up to save the club from
the same fate, and renamed the club Manchester United.
• The team’s home ground, Old Trafford, was built in 1910. The first home game
Manchester United played was against Liverpool, which they lost 4-3.
• Manchester United took the nickname ‘Red Devils’ from the Salford Rugby
Club, who toured France under the same name. The club was under the
management of Sir Matt Busby at the time.
• Old Trafford was nicknamed as ‘Theatre Of Dreams’ by legendary footballer Sir
Bobby Charlton.
• Manchester United FC was formerly known as Newton Heath L&YR FC
representing the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Depot at Newton Heath.
The club was founded in 1878 but plunged into bankruptcy in 1902.
Manchester Breweries Director, J.H. Davies stepped up to save the club from
the same fate, and renamed the club Manchester United.
• The team’s home ground, Old Trafford, was built in 1910. The first home game
Manchester United played was against Liverpool, which they lost 4-3.
• Manchester United took the nickname ‘Red Devils’ from the Salford Rugby
Club, who toured France under the same name. The club was under the
management of Sir Matt Busby at the time.
• Old Trafford was nicknamed as ‘Theatre Of Dreams’ by legendary footballer Sir
Bobby Charlton.
Old Trafford
• Old Trafford is the second largest stadium in Britain with a seating capacity of
75,635 fans. Only the national stadium Wembley is larger. The Theatre of
Dreams is also the ninth biggest stadium in Europe and the only stadium in
England to have the prestigious UEFA five-star rating – the ranking system for
football venues around the world.
• Out of the over 75,000 seats in the stadium, 73% are held by season ticket
holders. While this makes getting a seat for a home game extremely difficult
for new or international fans, the club makes it a point to reward its most
dedicated fans. Fans that have purchased season passes for the same seats for
25+ years, are honoured by Manchester United by printing their names on
silver plaques on the underside of their seats.
• After the recent facelift, the stadium now offers luxury matchday experiences
through corporate hospitality experts such as White Label Hospitality. With
more than ten experiences to choose from, it is easy for guests to find
themselves spoiled for choice between options such as meeting former players
and a private box matchday experience.
• Old Trafford is the second largest stadium in Britain with a seating capacity of
75,635 fans. Only the national stadium Wembley is larger. The Theatre of
Dreams is also the ninth biggest stadium in Europe and the only stadium in
England to have the prestigious UEFA five-star rating – the ranking system for
football venues around the world.
• Out of the over 75,000 seats in the stadium, 73% are held by season ticket
holders. While this makes getting a seat for a home game extremely difficult
for new or international fans, the club makes it a point to reward its most
dedicated fans. Fans that have purchased season passes for the same seats for
25+ years, are honoured by Manchester United by printing their names on
silver plaques on the underside of their seats.
• After the recent facelift, the stadium now offers luxury matchday experiences
through corporate hospitality experts such as White Label Hospitality. With
more than ten experiences to choose from, it is easy for guests to find
themselves spoiled for choice between options such as meeting former players
and a private box matchday experience.
Never Forgotten
• Old Trafford was bombed by the Germans during the Second World War. In
1941, when it was bombed for the second time, the stadium was almost
completely destroyed. During the reconstruction period, the Red Devils shared
the home ground of their biggest competitors, Manchester City at Maine
Road.
• Manchester United shows their respect and love for their fans by allowing fans’
ashes to be sprinkled on the field. The area dedicated to this cause is located
at the North end and is never dug up.
• Another instance where Manchester United had to host their home games at
other venues occured in 1971. Due to hooliganism at Old Trafford in the
preceding season, Manchester United was banned from playing their first two
home games in Manchester. One of these games was played at Anfield, where
United beat Arsenal 3-1, and the other game was played at the Victoria
Ground where United beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1.
• Old Trafford was bombed by the Germans during the Second World War. In
1941, when it was bombed for the second time, the stadium was almost
completely destroyed. During the reconstruction period, the Red Devils shared
the home ground of their biggest competitors, Manchester City at Maine
Road.
• Manchester United shows their respect and love for their fans by allowing fans’
ashes to be sprinkled on the field. The area dedicated to this cause is located
at the North end and is never dug up.
• Another instance where Manchester United had to host their home games at
other venues occured in 1971. Due to hooliganism at Old Trafford in the
preceding season, Manchester United was banned from playing their first two
home games in Manchester. One of these games was played at Anfield, where
United beat Arsenal 3-1, and the other game was played at the Victoria
Ground where United beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of our favorite United facts. Did we miss out on any of your
favorite Red Devils trivia? Share with us in the comment section!
There you have it, some of our favorite United facts. Did we miss out on any of your
favorite Red Devils trivia? Share with us in the comment section!
Source: Man United Devils
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