7 Surprising Facts About Manchester United That You Might Not Know
Think you know a lot about Man United? Here’s 7 facts about the club that you might now know.
1. A Missing Dog Saved The Club From Bankruptcy
United’s history might have been very different if it wasn’t for a lost dog called Major; Without him, Manchester United might not exist today.
In 1901, the club (called Newton Heath at the time) was sitting in the second division, facing financial ruin.
Captain Harry Stafford’s St. Bernard dog, Major, was the club’s mascot, and he went missing after a failed fundraising event. Major was found by John Henry Davies, a local businessman, who bought the dog off Stafford and learned of the club’s financial troubles.
Davies decided to invest, which eventually led to the rebranding as Manchester United in 1902.
2. The Club’s Name Was Almost Something Else
Many fans will already know that we used to play in green and yellow, under the name Newton Heath, before changing to Manchester United in 1902.
However, the club strongly considered several alternative names, including ‘Manchester Central’ and ‘Manchester Celtic’, before deciding on ‘Manchester United’.
When John Henry Davies, and a group of investors, saved the club in 1902, the board of directors met to discuss the club’s new name, with multiple options suggested – ‘Manchester United’ won the vote, obviously.
3. They Played Home Games At Man City’s Maine Road After WW2
During World War 2, on 11 March 1941, Old Trafford was bombed during a German air raid. It left the main stand, dressing rooms and offices destroyed.
Manchester City stepped in to help, and offered their ground, Maine Road, as a temporary home to United.
United reportedly set a league attendance record for Maine Road in 1948, when 83,260 watched us play Arsenal.
We played our home games there until 1949, before moving back into a rebuilt Old Trafford.
A bomb-damaged Old Trafford in 1948.
4. A Time Capsule Is Buried Between The Dugouts At Old Trafford
In 2010, to celebrate 100 years since Old Trafford was opened, the club buried a time capsule between the dugouts, and in front of the original players tunnel, which is no longer used, and is the only remaining component of the original stadium.
The capsule contains various memorabilia, and was buried with the intention of being opened in another 100 years time.
Relatives of Archibald Leitch, who was the original architect of Old Trafford, helped bury the time capsule.
5. Real Madrid And Liverpool Offered United Help Following The Munich Air Disaster
The Munich Air Disaster is the darkest day in Manchester United’s history. 8 players and 3 of the coaching staff were among the 23 fatalities in 1958, with many others seriously injured.
In United’s hour of need, both Real Madrid and Liverpool were among the clubs who offered their support.
Santiago Bernabeu (Real’s president) not only offered United the European cup, that Real had gone on to win (which United declined), but he also offered to loan us Ballon d’Or winner Alfredo di Stefano (paying half his wages), which was ultimately blocked by the FA.
Madrid also participated in fundraising events, including friendly games between the two clubs.
Bernabeu’s good relationship with Busby is partly the reason United share a longstanding bond with Madrid.
Bill Shankly and Liverpool also offered United players on loan; 5 first team players, and Shankly even offered to pay their wages in full.
6. Old Trafford’s Original Capacity Was Higher Than It Is Today
When Old Trafford opened in 1910, it was designed to hold a much larger crowd than it does today. Initially, the stadium could accommodate around 80,000 fans.
However, various renovations and modernisations over the years, aimed at improving safety and comfort, have reduced the capacity to a slightly lower number. Almost none of the original stadium remains in the modernised Old Trafford today.
7. Sir Matt Busby Played For Manchester City And Liverpool
It’s hard to comprehend that a man with a statue outside Old Trafford, and a huge legendary figure of Manchester United, played for our fierce rivals Man City and Liverpool, but it’s true with Sir Matt Busby.
Before the Busby Babe era at United, Sir Matt spent practically all of his playing career at City and Liverpool. He turned down the assistant manager job at Liverpool to take over as manager of United in 1945… thankfully.
Reading about the Munich Air Disaster just brings back loads of emotions, doesn’t it? I wasn’t around back then, but my grandad used to tell me stories about how it shook the whole football world, not just United fans. It’s heartwarming to learn that clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool offered help to United during those tough times. Shows there’s more to football than just rivalry. Cheers to The United Hub for highlighting these moments.
Was really fascinated by the bit about Old Trafford’s original capacity being higher than today. Do you know what led to the reduction in capacity? Was it safety regulations or changes in the structure? Would love to learn more!
Hey ElizaJ88, if I remember right, it was a bit of both. After the Taylor Report, all the big stadiums had to convert to all-seater, which reduced capacity quite a bit at Old Trafford. Plus, there have been a few renovations over the years that changed the layout.
I found it incredibly insightful to learn about Sir Matt Busby’s playing career for Manchester City and Liverpool before becoming a Manchester United legend. It’s a testament to his character and ability to transcend rivalries for the love of the sport. It’s stories like these that truly enrich the history of football and showcase the complexity of human connections within it.
Can’t help but think how back in the day things were so different, like United playing at Maine Road. Imagine the uproar if that was suggested today! It says a lot about how much football has changed, not just the game but the culture around it. Makes you wonder if we’ve lost something or if it’s all just progress.
A time capsule buried at Old Trafford, eh? Bet there’s a secret note in there saying ‘Please remember to beat Liverpool’. Would love to be around when they decide to open it up and see what’s actually in there!
It’s always heartwarming to come across little-known historical facts, like the story of the dog Major saving Manchester United from bankruptcy. Stories like these serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and often whimsical nature of history that can hinge on such small, serendipitous events. A delightful read.
Did anyone else get goosebumps reading about how the club’s name was almost something else? It’s crazy to think about how different things could have been, and yet here we are, with Manchester United being a global name. Makes you wonder about the ‘what ifs’ in our own lives too, doesn’t it?
It’s fascinating to learn that Manchester United had to play their home games at Man City’s Maine Road after WW2. It’s a reminder of the impact that global events have had on sports and how communities had to adapt and come together in the aftermath of such destruction. It’s a testament to the resilience of the clubs and their supporters.