When it matters the most, Man United have always demonstrated their ability to provide a big win for fans. Through highs and lows, dedicated staff and players have proven their pedigree, time and time again. To prove that this belief is worthy of respect, below are five reasons why Man United is simply one-of-a-kind.
1. Consistency
As one of the oldest football clubs in the world, Man United has been a pioneering institution of football for decades. It was the first club in many historical frames of reference. Before it was renamed in 1902, Man United was known as Newton Heath. Newton Heath was the first club to compete in a competitive match, when it faced Blackburn Olympic Reserves all the way back in 1883.
After its official renaming, Man United played the first European match in 1956, as well as the first League Cup match in 1960. In total, the Red Devils were the first to play in eight different football competitions; all of which are now officially recognised tournaments. For over a century Man United have led the charge in growing football to the global sports entertainment behemoth it has become.
Man United has been in the top tier of English football since 1975. Before that, the lowest league the club dropped to has been the second tier. As the first English club to enter the European Cup, United is a true trailblazer of English football. To further emphasize that fact, Man United is the first English club to achieve the continental European treble.
2. Leadership
Man United was the first English football team to employ a full-time manager when Jack Robson was enlisted in December of 1914. Robson served as manager for a little over six years before pneumonia forced his retirement in 1921. United’s longest-serving manager is none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, widely regarded as the best football manager of all time.
From 1986, Ferguson led Man United to the majority of the achievements they hold today. For 26 years, the Scottish manager endured countless challenges to rise to the very top of international football. Well before his time with United, Ferguson was highly successful as the manager of Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC. Aberdeen won four Scottish Cups, three Scottish League Championships, and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
During his time at Man United, Ferguson led the Red Devils to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Championship League titles. His retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season ended on a high note, with Man United winning the Premier League for that season. For his tremendous contributions to the world of football, as well as a variety of philanthropic endeavours, Ferguson was knighted by the Queen of England in 1999.
Photo by Portuguese Gravity on Unsplash
3. Loyalty
Man United has one of the highest home attendance averages in Europe. According to club representatives, there are more than 200 branches of the Manchester United Supporters Club, all of which are officially recognised as affiliates of the club. Interestingly, a 2014 study showed that Man United fans are the loudest football fans of any club.
United has more than 75 million fans worldwide and is one of the top three clubs followed on social media. If shirt sales are anything to go by, United is the most profitable club when it comes to merchandise. If nothing else, it proves that United fans are willing to go the extra mile for their club and show support in as many ways as possible.
Professional stars who have played for Man United seem to inextricably be drawn back to the club. The most recent example of this phenomenon is the great Christiano Ronaldo, arguably football’s brightest star at present. Ronaldo has gone on record to say that it’s always been a desire of his to return to Man United. When asked why, he simply stated that he was coming home. To fans’ delight, those words were enough to breathe new life into the team, and their current run of form is trending upwards at a rapid rate.
4. Resilience
Through decades of various struggles, Man United has risen above every challenge thrown its way. From world wars to catastrophic accidents, hardships have most definitely influenced the character and culture of the longstanding club.
1958 brought the Munich Air Disaster. 23 people lost their lives, including eight Man United players, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed due to a failed take-off attempt. After rebuilding the team for less than five years, efforts were made worthwhile when United won the FA Cup in 1963, followed by the league title twice in 1965 and 1967.
During the Second World War, parts of United’s stadium (Old Trafford) were used as a military depot. Their training facilities in Lower Broughton were also requisitioned by the military. When frequent bombing raids began hitting Old Trafford, the team ended up rescheduling all home games to alternative venues.
From 1941 to 1949, Old Trafford suffered heavy damage. In a heartwarming tale of camaraderie, Man City came to United’s aid, offering their facilities and stadium as soon as word of the destruction of Old Trafford had spread.
5. Trophies
Man United holds more trophies than any other club in English football. The club has several records in this regard, including an unprecedented tally of 20 League titles, 21 FA Community Shields, and 13 Premier League titles. With a trophy cabinet as enviable as theirs, it’s no wonder Man United is such a competitive club.
The club has numerous other trophies, such as 12 FA Cup victories, five League Cups, and three UEFA Champions League wins. Singular trophy achievements include the UEFA Europa League, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The highest recorded win by Man United was 10-0 against Anderlecht in the 1956 European Cup, in the very same year the club had their European debut. United’s longest unbeaten run is an astonishing total of 46 matches. The longest unbeaten run in EPL has been achieved twice, once in 1999 and again in 2011. The longest undefeated away run is also 29, while the longest unbeaten home run is 36 matches.