Manchester United History-Although Manchester United Football Club only came into being in 1902 after Newton Heath FC went bankrupt the club is recognised as dating back to 1878 when the Newton Heath LYR Cricket & Football Club was formed.

As Newton Heath the club were elected to the first division in 1892. They finished bottom in their first season but retained their station after defeating Small Heath 5-2 in a Test Match play off.

The following season saw the club again finish bottom of the first division and this time they did go down after a 2-0 defeat in the Test Match to Liverpool. The club had two opportunities to win promotion back to Division One while the Test Match system was still in operation but failed on both occasions and it was not until 1906 that, as Manchester United, they regained a first division place.

Manchester United History: Early Success
In 1908 United stormed to their first league championship, followed this up by winning the inaugral Charity Shield and then won the FA Cup for the first time in 1909, beating Bristol City 1-0 in the final.

After claiming another league title in 1911, however, the club stopped challenging for honours and spent three spells in the second division before the outbreak of World War II. It was only when football started up again after the war that United began their inexorable journey to become the countries, perhaps the worlds, biggest and best known club.

Much of the credit for the clubs rise to international prominence belongs to Matt Busby who took over as manager of United following the war and remained in control for 24 years. Busby produced a succession of stylish sides which have become a benchmark for subsequent Old Trafford teams, not just in terms of success but in how the game is played.

Manchester United History: The Busby Era-Busby's first trophy as United manager was the 1948 FA Cup which they claimed after a 4-2 win over Blackpool. This game, in which the Red Devils roared back from 2-1 down late in the game, is considered by many experienced analysts as the greatest cup final of them all.