MANCHESTER UNITED - the story starts here.
Manchester United as they are now known to many fans around the world were first formed in 1878 but by a completely different name which was 'Newton Heath LYR (Lancashire and Yorkshire railway).From the forming of the club the railway workers continued their passion for football by competeing against other departments of railway workers and railway companies. It was not until 1892 that they felt good enough to become part of the now football league.
As with many clubs in the early years, 'Newton Heath' came to be in financial trouble at the beginning of the 20th century, they were however saved by a local brewery owner by the name of John Henry Davies who in return was given some interest in the running of the club.
In 1902 Manchester United were born by the change of the name, but not before a few other suggestions which included the likes of Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic.
With some new signings like 'Harry Mogar' and 'Charlie Sagar', 'Man U' finished third in the second division in 1903/04 and also in 1904/05 seasons.
In the 1905/06 season Manchester United reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup and finished as runners up in the second division.
Manchester United had a fantastic season in 1907/08 when they won the Football League Championship for the first time, and also as champions, Manchester United played in the first ever Charity Shield in 1908 in which they won the trophy by beating FA Cup winners QPR by 4 - 0. In 1909 they won the FA Cup by beating Bristol City 1 - 0 and making Manchester United a third trophy.
1910 the club had moved from their old home of Bank Street to Old Trafford in which their new season, 1910/11 at a new ground saw them their second League Champions title, and also clinched the Charity Shield. After this season, things were fairly quiet on the cups and league titles for Man U and then 1914 saw the outbreak of war.
In 1919 Manchester United returned to league football after the break due to the war. In 1919/20 season Man U finished twelfth in the first division, the following season 1920/21 Man U finished just thirteenth.
After a change of managers and a misfortune in games played, by winning only 8 in 42 matches, Man U were relegated into the second division.
It was not until the end of season 1924/25 that Manchester United were promoted back into the first division. In the 1925/26 season Man U made it to the semi-finals in the FA Cup only to be beaten by Manchester City 3 – 0
