History of the Manchester United Shirt

Manchester United F.C. is an English football club that plays in the English Premier League. Their home ground is Old Trafford in Greater Manchester. The Red Devils as they are affectionately known boast over 300 million world-wide fans. Meaning that out of every 20 people on earth, one of them will be a Manchester United Fan! Currently managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United are one of the most successful teams in the history of English football and have won 21 major titles since he was hired in 1986. During its remarkable history, many famous players have run out in the famous Manchester United shirt which can trace its roots back when Manchester United were called Newton Heath Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Football Club.

The famous strip, familiar to millions around the world today has come a long way since the club's early days in the late 1800s. In the Newton Heath days, the shirts were made up of yellow and green sections (1878 - 1892) with some additional colour schemes being used such as a red and white shirt (1892-1894) coupled with blue shorts. There was also a brief period where a white shirt with a red sash was deployed. This all changed in 1902 when the club changed its name to Manchester United. At this point the club radically altered the kit colours to red shirts, white shorts and black socks. This colour scheme has been the basis of the home kit ever since.

The away strip is white jerseys, black shorts and white socks however different looks to this strip have existed. The most notorious of these was the all-grey strip used in the 1995-1996 season. Bizarrely, Manchester United did not win a single game when wearing this strip, the players claiming that passes were going astray because it was too hard to see their team-mates! The Manchester United Third Strip is all-blue out of respect to the kit used in the 1968 European Cup triumph.

The Manchester United shirt worn for home games today is red with a white stripe running down the back. A patch with the words "The Red Devils" on an image of the team's devil mascot is sewn on the bottom-left of the shirt. The club logo is on a red shield on the left breast. The emblem has been altered through the years but takes its inspiration from the crest of the City of Manchester. The "Red Devil" was added in the 1960s after Matt Busby heard the nickname being used by a local rugby club. The away shirt in use today is white with blue piping at the edges. It has red trim on the neck and the club emblem is on a white background on the left breast.

I hope this article has provided an interesting snapshot into the history of the Manchester United Shirt, and if your million dollar question on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is "What was the first name Manchester United F.C. were known by?", you won't need to use a lifeline!

Sir Matt Busby - The Godfather of Manchester United

Sir Matt Busby was the manager at Manchester United from 1945 to 1969, taking the club to both League and Cup honours during his long and distinguished career at Old Trafford.

Sir Matt Busby took over the reins at Manchester United in October 1945, although his contract had been signed the previous February. From the moment the 35-year-old demobilized company sergeant-major arrived at the club things would never be the same again. The former Manchester City and Liverpool player immediately put his mark on the club and he demanded powers over the appointment of personnel and the buying and selling of players. Busby's socialism no doubt transformed Manchester United into one of the giants of English football and during his first three years in charge the club finished First Division runners-up three times in a row as well as winning the FA Cup in 1948.

In 1958 tragedy struck when a British European Airways Elizabethan plane hit Munich Airport's perimeter fence during its third attempt at take-off. After winning the Championship in 1952, 1956 and 1957, Busby's immensly gifted Manchester United side were tragically destroyed. However, the legendary manager continued his search for the Holy grail and he will always be remembered for the European Cup Final in 1968 when Manchester United went on to trash Benfica 4-1. The memorable victory at Wembley Stadium was fully recognised as the long serving manager was most deservedly knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List shortly after.

When Sir Matt died on the 20th of January 1994, a vast amount of dedicated Manchester United supporters turned out to pay their last respects to the Scottish manager. On the 27th of April 1996, Manchester United Football Club unveiled a bronze statue at the Scoreboard End of Old Trafford in honour of the great man who was simply known as Mr. Manchester United. Sir Matt Busby had a second spell as Old Trafford manager during the 1970-71 season and he continued to be involved with the club for several years after his retirement.

"Resting in Interlaken, Germany was one thing and facing Old Trafford another. When I approached the ground and moved over the bridge along which our supporters had squeezed fifty abreast in there tens of thousands to shout for us I could scarcely bear to look. I knew the ghosts of the babes would still be there, and there they are still, and they will always be there as long as those who saw them still cross the bridge, young, gay, red ghosts on the green grass of Old Trafford."

Sir Matt Busby quote.

United Blog Articles is a website dedicated to Manchester United Football Club. Soccer is undoubtedly the most accepted sport in the world. And it is most likely no more than fair to say that the Man Utd is the most popular club world wide. Read supplementary articles on Sir Matt Busby and other historical persons or events at UnitedBlogArticles.com

Why Does Manchester United Have So Many Foreign Fans?

Manchester United has long been the most popular team in the world, with fans ranging from the estates adjacent to Old Trafford, to the depths of China and Africa. But what exactly makes so many foreigners support the club?

There is a long standing debate that most Manchester United supporters aren't from Manchester, many are from London and the majority are not even from England. And it's true, the club has a huge national following and an even bigger international following.

Many are genuine fans, who watch every game, agonise over every stat and judge every player. But there are more who are simply referred to as 'glory supporters'. Individuals who have chosen to support Manchester United simply to be safe in the knowledge that sooner or later, they will deliver victory.

The phenomenon is somewhat of a snowball effect, the club has long since been on a winning streak and has become a team worth watching, as a result television networks are keen to broadcast the games and gain viewers.

These viewers become accustomed to expecting victory from the club, they enjoy it, and become 'fans'. They know that the next time they tune in to watch the team play, they can expect victory, if not at least a good game.

Companies realise this and are willing to sponsor the broadcast of the game in their country, therefore more and more people get to watch them. Soon enough these fans have families and children are brought up fans of the club, just as any child in Manchester might be.

The long and short of it is that people like to feel good, supporting a team that almost always wins is a sure way of being able to celebrate and enjoy the game. In the absence of a local team or a decent league to follow that is broadcast, it is only natural that people will choose to follow Manchester united.

It is very common to travel through an impoverished village in deepest Africa and see someone in a Manchester United Football Shirt or kicking around in a pair of Nike Mercurial boots.

David Beckham - Manchester United Legend

David Beckham is probably one of the biggest names in world football. The son of two fanatical Manchester United supporting parents who would regularly travel from London to watch the games at Old Trafford. Beckham's affiliation and love of Manchester United began at an early age, evening appearing as the club mascot before a game against West Ham in 1986.

Born in 1975, Beckham had showed great promise as a youngster and signed schoolboy terms at the age of 14, before joining United on a youth training scheme in 1991.

David Beckham formed part of the United youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992, scoring a goal in the final. He also made his first team debut in a League Cup game, but it was to be some time before he would become a regular first team player. He appeared in another youth cup final, although this time they lost to Leeds United. The following year he won a medal as the reserve team won their league.

Beckham's first team league debut wasn't until April 1995, when he played against Leeds United. He made 4 league appearances that season as United finished second in the Premier League to Blackburn Rovers, just missing out on a third successive title.

During the 1995-96 season Beckham established himself as a first team regular, and despite being 10 points adrift of leaders Newcastle United at Christmas, went on an impressive run and overturned Newcastle's lead to win the Premier League and then won the FA Cup to secure an amazing double. Beckham had now made the right sided midfield role his own as he collected his first medals with the first team.

At the beginning of the 1996-97 Beckham scored against Wimbledon, which became one of his most famous goals, as he kicked the ball speculatively from the half way line which sailed over the head of the Wimbledon goalkeeper and into the goal. The season saw Manchester United win the Premier League again, and Beckham made his first appearances for England and he was voted as the Young Player of the Year for that season.

The 1998 season was a disappointment for both club and country, as the Reds lost the League title to Arsenal, and although Beckham went to the World Cup with England, he was sent off after kicking Diego Simeone, and 10 man England lost to Argentina, in the first knock out stage.

The disappointments of 1998 were soon forgotten as Manchester United went onto to win an amazing treble in 1999. The Reds won the league, FA Cup and then the Champions League final in the dying seconds of the game.

During the 2000 season he won his fourth Premier League medal, but the Reds failed to retain the Champions League trophy. The 2001 season won the premier league again, and Beckham was made captain of the England team, following in the footsteps of his boyhood Man United hero Bryan Robson.

The 2002-03 season was be David Beckham's last at Manchester United, and after much speculation he joined Real Madrid at the end of the season, after 394 appearances and scoring 85 goals for the club

Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of Manchester United football souvenirs which are available from the man united shop all items are available to ship worldwide.

The Rivalry Between Liverpool and Manchester United

One of the fiercest rivalries in English football, and even in World football, is the rivalry between Liverpool football club and Manchester United football club.

There is no love lost between the fans, players or managers of the two giants of club football.

A Tale of Two Cities

The origins of this rivalry point towards the rivalries of the two cities since industrial times. Liverpool and Manchester were challenging for supremacy of the north west of England. Manchester was renowned for it's excellent manufacturing capabilities, whilst Liverpool had long been a major city due to it's port.

However, once the Manchester Ship Canal was built, ships were able to bypass Liverpool to carry goods directly to Manchester. The loss in jobs in Liverpool no doubt strengthened the hostilities between the two cities.

On the Pitch

The first match between the clubs was on 12 October 1895 which Liverpool won 7-1. There have been 152 league matches. Manchester United have won 58, Liverpool 51 and there have been 43 draws.

If anything the off field rivalries between the cities have been deepened by the great successes of the two clubs. Both clubs have had periods of dominance of English soccer and each of these periods has increased the rivalry between the clubs.

During the 1970's and 80's, Liverpool dominated English Football and to some extent European Football, winning 11 league titles and 4 European Cups.

The 1990's onwards have belonged to Manchester United who also won 11 league titles as well as 2 European Cups.

Significantly in 2009, Manchester United equalled Liverpool's long standing record of having won 18 League titles overall. The team that came second was...Liverpool. The competition between the two teams reached fever pitch during this season. No more proof of this was required than the 'War of Words' between the two club managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. The pair traded verbal blows as the season was heading to a thrilling climax.

Is this rivalry good or bad?

Well, in one sense the intensity of the rivalry spills over into deep hatred and irrational loathing not only from the fans, but from the players and managers too. Sometimes the personal insults that are thrown at each other seem to be going too far.

In another sense, however, you get the sense that it is this rivalry that really creates the massive amount of motivation to succeed. Both clubs are determined to be more successful than the other and this seeps through from the fans to the players to the manager to every person connected with the clubs. It could be argued that neither club would have been as successful as they have been without this fierce rivalry.

What of the future?

With both clubs on 18 league titles, the 2009/10 league season promises to be the most bitterly contested ever as neither team will want to live with the stigma of falling behind in the reckoning.

You can have your say on who is the greatest and also see what others think at the Football Duel.

As another season beckons, hold on to your seats and watch the next chapter of this fascinating rivalry unfold!

Hiten Shah is an NLP Coach as well as an informative writer on various different topics, including football. If you liked this article, be sure to visit What Really Matters.

The History Of Manchester United Football Club

The Manchester United Football Club is undoubtedly the most famous team in professional soccer. Originally the club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910. Manchester United has fans across the globe, throughout Europe, Asia as well as North and South America.

In 1968 United was the first English team to win the prestigious European Cup. They also won the EUFA Champions League in 1999 and 2008. The have won English Premier League Titles in 11 seasons since 1992. They have also won the FA Cup 11 times in total.

The most famous Footballer of all time, David Beckham signed for Manchester in 1992, at the young age of only 17. Beckham played for Manchester United from 1992 -2003, when he signed with Real Madrid. Beckham enjoyed a successful career with Manchester United winning 6 League titles and taking part in the infamous treble.

In 1999 Manchester United won a historic treble, winning the EUFA Champions League, The Premier League title, and the FA Cup in the same season. They Defeated Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou to complete the treble. Sir Alex Ferguson was Knighted in recognition of this accomplishment.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy signed for the club in 2001, and went on to score 150 goals in just 219 games with United. During his time at United, Rudd won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 2 seasons with the club. He also lead the team in scoring in the EUFA Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Manchester United as an 18 year old in 2003 for over 12 million pounds. Ronaldo won the Champions League with United and was also named the FIFA footballer of the year in 2008. Cristiano has seen limited success since leaving the club for Real Madrid.

Wayne Rooney is the current superstar for the club, and has enjoyed success at a young age. However Rooney is coming off a poor performance at the World Cup in South Africa. and has been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Rumors in the British tabloids suggest that Wayne has been caught cheating on his pregnant wife with a $2000 per night prostitute. Manchester will need Rooney to focus on football if they are to have any success this season.

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Manchester United the Global Brand and Club History

Manchester United are from a neutral perspective the cream of English football. Unlike some of their closest rivals they are a worldwide brand. This is something that Chelsea owner Roman Abromovich is trying to achieve. They are based at Old Trafford in Manchester otherwise known as 'The Theatre of Dreams' which is one of the biggest stadiums in the country and also Europe. Manchester United play in red and have acquired the nickname 'Red Devils' as a result. Manchester United are said to have around 300 million supporters worldwide which accounts for roughly 5% of the global population. It is estimated that 95% of Manchester United supporters have never been to Old Trafford. They are rumoured to be the richest club in existence.

Manchester United football club have an absolutely staggering amount of trophies and silverware to their name. They have won no fewer than 5 European trophies which includes one international cup, one European super cup, two European champions cups, and one cup winners cup. Domestically the side has a truly remarkable record too claiming 12 domestic cups and 16 Premier League trophies. Few sides in history can be proud of such a record. The club is managed by Sir Alex Ferguson who is considered to be one of the best managers in today's game. United fans would not want to see anyone else at the helm of their pride and joy.

Manchester United are currently owned by American businessman Malcolm Glazer. Glazer made investments in the club back in 2005 but it took him a further year until he has able to gain ownership. He is estimated to have paid a massive $1.47 billion to get his hands on the squad. Glazer had to win the approval of both the directors of Manchester United and even more difficult the fans. He had a difficult time with the directors as the deal is said to have made Manchester United $850 million poorer but an even tougher job with the fans. Fans do not want to see their team in the hands of a tycoon and were fearful of the future under Malcolm Glazer. Initially many fans protested by not renewing their season tickets and songs about Glazer can still be heard today around the stands.

Today the club seems to be moving forward faster than it has ever done before. In 2006/2007 season Manchester United reclaimed the Premier League title from their arch rivals Chelsea and in 2008/2009 won both the Premiership title and also the UEFA Champions League. The fan base is growing at an alarming rate and thanks partly to the fortunes and developments of Malcolm Glazer the club can bring in some of the best players on the world stage. It is thought that for the foreseeable future Manchester United will remain one of the greatest names in world football.

Visit http://www.soccerengine.net for all of the information you need on Manchester United and have your say.

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Gordon McQueen - The Manchester United Giant

The enmity between Manchester United and Leeds United may very well originate from the War of the Roses, but in soccer terms the Roses rivalry started back in the swinging sixties 1960 when Leeds United were led by Don Revie and Manchester United by Sir Matt Busby.

Kilbirnie born Gordon McQueen began his soccer career at St. Mirren who signed him as a 18 year old. Impressed by the hard working youngster, Leeds United manager Don Revie eventually lured him to the high flying Yorkshire club for ?30,000 in 1973. The Scottish stopper quickly managed to establish himself in the first team at Elland Road and he was a regular member of the vastly talented Leeds United side that went on to win the League Championship in 1974. However, following Revie's departure to manage the England team, Leeds were declining and hatred between the Elland Road players started to bubble over.

Brought to Manchester Utd by new manager Dave Sexton for ?495,000 in February 1978, the Scotland international became one of the first well known Leeds United players to sign for the Lancashire club. At Old Trafford, Gordon McQueen linked up with former Elland Road team mate Joe Jordan who had made the switch from Leeds United to Manchester United only a few weeks before. Evidently, Leeds United selling two of their biggest stars to old rivals Manchester United did not go down well with the Elland Road faithful. Incurring the wrath of the Leeds supporters, the two players were targeted with booing every time they were appearing against their old club.

While at Old Trafford, Gordon McQueen helped Manchester Utd win the FA Cup final in 1983 after a replay against Brighton and Hove Albion. A rough and rugged player, McQueen went on to make a total of 184 first class appearances for the Reds. The blond giant stayed at United until 1985 when he finally announced his retirement from the game because of persistent injuries.

Eventually going into soccer management, he took over the helm at Scottish club Airdrieoninans in 1987. Known for his brilliance in the air, Gordon McQueen won 30 full caps for his native country after making his first appearance for Scotland against Belgium in 1974.

"But Manchester United are Manchester United. They are the bigger of the two clubs, and always will be. Even going from a place like Leeds, with all their household names, you noticed a huge difference. Manchester United weren't the best, but they were the biggest." Gordon McQueen quote.

United Blog Articles is a website dedicated to Manchester United Football Club. Soccer is undoubtedly the most accepted sport in the world. And it is most likely no more than fair to say that the Man Utd is the most popular club world wide. Read supplementary articles on Gordon McQueen at UnitedBlogArticles.com

Teddy Sheringham - Manchester United Legend

Teddy Sheringham is thought by many to be one of Manchester United's best signings after arriving at the club in 1997. United legend Eric Cantona had just left the Reds after his shock decision to retire from football, and at 31 years of age, Sheringham certainly had a tough act to follow.

Unfortunately Sheringham didn't make the best of starts for Manchester United, following his ?3.5 million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, it was Spurs that he faced as he made his debut for the Reds. Constantly jeered throughout the game by the White Hart Lane crowd, Sheringham took a penalty, a role he had assumed from Cantona, but he missed the spot kick, much to the delight of the home fans, although United went onto to win the game with two late goals.

During his first year at the club, the 1997-98 season finished without a trophy for United, although Sheringham scored 14 goals during the season.

At the beginning of the 1998-99 season there was much speculation that Sheringham would leave the club after United signed Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa. Although he remained at the club, his first team opportunities were limited, although he did make enough appearances to secure a league title winners medal as the Reds secured the Premier League title, Sheringham scored 5 goals despite his limited appearances.

After a mediocre season, no-one could have anticipated the impact Sheringham would make as United went onto to clinch an amazing treble. After beating Arsenal to the League title by a single point, United faced Newcastle in the FA Cup Final and although initially starting on the substitutes bench, Sheringham was called to replace the injured Roy Keane after just eight minutes. Within 90 seconds of coming onto the pitch he scored United's first goal and they eventually won the game 2-0 to secure their second trophy of the season.

Sheringham again started on the bench for the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich, after trailing for much of the game 1-0, he scored a crucial equaliser one minute into injury time at the end of the game, United went onto to win 2-1 in one of the most memorable nights in their history. As the Reds secured an amazing treble, Sheringham had secured his first winners medals of his career.

Along with strikers Ole Solskjaer, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, during the 1999-2000 season Manchester United had the most formidable strike force in the country, as they went onto to win the Premier league by 18 points and scored 97 goals during the process.

The 2000-01 season Sheringham scored 15 goals in 29 league games, as United secured their third consecutive Premier league title, even at the age of 35 his impressive form continued consistently throughout the season and he was rewarded with the Player of the year award.

The signing of Ruud Van Nistelrooy signalled the end of Teddy Sheringham's Manchester United career and he returned to Tottenham on a free transfer, after 104 appearances and scoring 31 goals for the Reds, he had become a true United legend.

Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of Manchester United football merchandise which are available from the man united shop all items are available to ship worldwide.