by Ziggy Keane

Created on: May 28, 2009

Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath L&YR F.C., Manchester United as it is known today began its storied history as one of Europe's elite football clubs. Founded by railway workers, the club played on a modest pitch on North Road until 1893.

Following their time at North Road, the club moved to Bank Street, where they would play until 1910. The change in stadium also accompanied a change in name, as they dropped the "L&YR" from their name, becoming Newton Heath F.C..

In 1902, the club nearly went under before the story even began, as debts brought the club to the brink of bankruptcy; however, wealthy brewery owner John Henry Davies swooped in to save the team, and it was then that the club adopted its current name, Manchester United, and changed its colours from green and gold to the now world famous red and white attire.

In 1908, the club won its first league crown, having been promoted to England's top flight two seasons previously. They followed this success in the 1908-09 campaign by winning the first ever Charity Shield, and more importantly, the FA Cup. After two years without a trophy, the club won the league again in the 1910-11 season.

1910 was also significant in that Manchester United moved on from its 50,000 capacity Bank Street stadium to the now world famous Old Trafford stadium, as John Henry Davies wished to find a bigger ground for United's growing support.

Following this early success in the club's history, the club declined, with the team failing to win the First Division for over 40 years, the longest title drought in club history. In addition, the club suffered multiple relegations and struggled even to maintain top flight status.

In 1945, Matt Busby began his legendary tenure with the Red Devils. In many ways Busby paved the way for modern English managers, as he insisted on having total control over team selection and signings, which had previously been the responsibility of chairmen and directors.

It didn't take long for the Busby effect to sink in, as United came second place in the league in 1947, 1948 and 1949. The club also managed to win the FA Cup in 1948, ending an embarrassing trophy drought.

In 1952, Manchester United ended the 41 year title drought with an experienced side. Over the following few seasons, Busby rebuilt the side by bringing youth through into the first team, and the rewards were seen in 1956, as a side averaging only 22 years old brought the First Division title back to Old Trafford.

These youngsters

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