History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours

History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours

During its days as Newton Heath, the club's home jerseys were yellow and green; this strip was revived as an away kit in the early 1990s. In 1902, in conjunction with the name change to Manchester United, the club changed their colours to red jerseys, white shorts and black socks, which has become the standard for most Man Utd home kits ever since. The most notable exception to this is the shirt that the team wore in the 1909 FA Cup Final against Bristol City, which was white with a thin red V-neck. This design was resurrected in the 1920s before United reverted back to the all-red shirts.

Away strips are usually white jerseys with black shorts and white socks, but other colours have been used, including a blue and white striped shirt used on-and-off from 1903 to 1916, an all-black kit in 1994 and 2003 and a navy blue shirt with silver horizontal pinstripes in 2000. One of the most famous, yet short-lived, United away kits, though, was the all grey kit from 1995–96. This kit was dropped after Manchester United failed to win a single game while wearing it. At half-time during a game against Southampton, when United were already 3–0 down, they switched to their blue and white third kit, but eventually lost 3–1. According to the players, the grey kit was not visible enough which led to the poor results. Another famous Man Utd away kit included a reversible shirt that was white with black sleeves and gold trim on one side, and gold with black trim on the other side. This shirt was released as the last kit created by Umbro for the club before the change to Nike, and commemorated 100 years since the club had changed its name from Newton Heath to Manchester United.


The United third kit is traditionally all-blue in homage to the kit that the 1968 European Cup was won in. Exceptions to this rule have included a bright yellow kit worn in the early 1970s, the aforementioned blue and white striped shirt from 1996, which proved to be a firm favourite with the fans, and a white shirt with black and red horizontal pinstripes from 2004. United have also used what were originally used as training shirts as their third kit in the past, having adopted an all-black kit in the 1998–99 season and a dark blue shirt with maroon sides in 2001 for games against Southampton and PSV Eindhoven.

Currently, Manchester United's home jerseys are red with a vertical, white broken stripe with black trim on the reverse. The stripe is adorned with the letters MUFC at the top of the bottom portion, and a silhouette of the devil from the club badge at the top of the top portion. The AIG and Nike logos are also white. A patch with the words "The Red Devils" written in white, over an image of the club badge's devil, is attached to the bottom-left of the shirt. The club crest sits on a red kiss-cut shield on the left breast. The away jerseys are similar in template to the home shirt, but are black. The crest sits in a black shield, also on the left breast. There is a red-coloured piping running from the neck to the armpit and the AIG and Nike logos are white. The shirt also features the broken stripe on the reverse.

The Manchester United crest has been altered on a few occasions, but the basic form remains similar. The badge is derived from the crest of the city of Manchester. The devil on the club badge stems from the club's nickname "The Red Devils", which was adopted in the early 1960s after Matt Busby heard it in reference to the red-shirted Salford rugby league side. By the end of the 1960s, the devil had started to be included on club programmes and scarves, before it was finally incorporated into the club badge in 1970, holding its unmistakable trident. In 1998, the badge was once again redesigned, this time removing the words "Football Club". This move was met with opposition from some supporters, who viewed it as a move away from the club's footballing roots and more into the business side of the game.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover

History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover

On 12 May 2005, American businessman Malcolm Glazer acquired a controlling interest in the club through his investment vehicle Red Football Ltd. in a takeover valuing the club at approximately £800 million (approx. $1.5 billion). On 16 May, he increased his share to the 75% necessary to de-list the club from the Stock Exchange, making it private again, and announced his intention to do so within 20 days. On 8 June he appointed his sons to the Manchester United board as non-executive directors.



In July 2006, the club announced a refinancing package. The total amount will be £660 million, on which interest payments will be £62 million a year. This result of this new financing plan will be a 30% reduction of annual payments.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)

History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)

United won the league in 2000 and 2001 but the press saw these seasons as failures as they failed to regain the European Cup. In 2000, Manchester United became one of 14 founder members of the G-14 group of leading European football clubs. Ferguson adopted more defensive tactics to make United harder to beat in Europe but it was not a success and United finished the 2001–02 Premiership season in third place. They regained the league the following season (2002–03) and started the following season well, but their form dropped significantly when Rio Ferdinand received a controversial eight month suspension for missing a drugs test. They did win the 2004 FA Cup, however, knocking out Arsenal (that season's eventual league champions) on their way to the final in which they beat Millwall.

The 2004–05 season was characterised by a failure to score goals, mainly due to the injury of striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and United finished the season trophyless and in third place in the league. This time, even the FA Cup eluded them as Arsenal beat United on penalties after a goalless draw after 120 minutes. Off the pitch, the main story was the possibility of the club being taken over and at the end of the season, Tampa businessman Malcolm Glazer, acquired a controlling interest in the club.



United made a poor start to the 2005–06 season, with midfielder Roy Keane leaving the club to join Celtic after publicly criticising several of his team-mates, and the club failed to qualify for the knock-out phase of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade after losing to Portuguese team Benfica. Their season was also dealt cruel blows with injuries to key players such as Gabriel Heinze, Alan Smith, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. However, they were prevented from being left empty-handed in successive seasons – a disappointment not endured in the last 17 years – by winning the 2006 League Cup, beating newly-promoted neighbours Wigan Athletic in the final 4–0. United also ensured a second-place finish and automatic Champions League qualification on the final day of the season by defeating Charlton Athletic 4–0. At the end of the 2005–06 season, one of United's key strikers, Ruud van Nistelrooy, left the club to join Real Madrid, due to a row with Alex Ferguson.

The 2006–07 season saw United return to the attacking style of football that was the cornerstone of their years of success in the late 1990s, scoring almost 20 more goals in 32 matches than second placed side Chelsea. In January 2007, United signed Henrik Larsson on a two-month loan from Swedish side Helsingborgs, and the striker played an important role in advancing United to the semi-finals of the Champions' League, with hopes for a second Treble; however, upon reaching the semi-finals, United lost to A.C. Milan 3–5 on aggregate.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Manchester United's entry into European competition, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, Manchester United played Marcello Lippi's European XI at Old Trafford on 13 March 2007. United won the game 4–3.

Four years after their last title, United claimed back the Premier League title on 6 May 2007, after Chelsea drew away with Arsenal, leaving the Blues seven points behind with two games to go, following United's 1–0 victory in the Manchester derby the previous day, making it their ninth Premiership title in the 15 seasons of its existence. However, an unprecedented fourth Double was not to be, as Chelsea beat United 1–0 in extra time in the first FA Cup Final to be held at the new Wembley Stadium; the first to be held in England since the old stadium was demolished seven years earlier.

On 11 May 2008, United retained the Premier League title with a win over Wigan Athletic. With Chelsea only able to draw with Bolton, United finished the season two points clear. The club also reached the European Cup final for the third time in their history, having knocked out such clubs as Barcelona and Roma en-route to the final. They will play against Chelsea in the final on 21 May 2008.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)

History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)

The 1998–99 season for Manchester United was the most successful season in English club football history as they became the first and only English team to win The Treble — winning the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in the same season. After a very tense Premier League season, Manchester United won the title on the final day beating Tottenham Hotspur 2–1, whilst Arsenal won 1–0 against Aston Villa.

Winning the Premiership was the first part of the Treble in place, the one part that manager Alex Ferguson described as the hardest. In the FA Cup Final United faced Newcastle United and won 2–0 with goals from Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes. In the final match of that season, the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final they defeated Bayern Munich in what is considered one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed, losing going into injury time and scoring twice to win 2–1. Ferguson was subsequently knighted for his services to football. Rounding out that record breaking year, Manchester United also won the Intercontinental Cup after beating Palmeiras 1–0 in Tokyo.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)

History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)

Alex Ferguson arrived from Aberdeen to replace Atkinson and guided the club to an 11th place finish. The following season (1987–88), United finished second, with Brian McClair becoming the first United player since George Best to score twenty league goals in a season.

However, United struggled throughout the next two seasons, with many of Ferguson's signings not reaching the expectations of the fans. Alex Ferguson was reportedly on the verge of being sacked at the beginning of 1990 but a Mark Robins goal gave United a narrow 1–0 win in the third round of the FA Cup over Nottingham Forest. This kept the season alive, and the team went on to win the competition, beating Crystal Palace in a replay in the final.

United won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1990–91, beating that season's Spanish champions Barcelona in the final, but the following season was a disappointment as a late season slump saw them miss out on the league to rivals Leeds United. Meanwhile in 1991, the club floated on the London Stock Exchange with a valuation of £47 million, bringing its finances into the public eye.



The arrival of Eric Cantona in November 1992 provided the crucial spark for United, and blending with the best of trusted talent in Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin and Paul Ince, as well as budding stars like Ryan Giggs, they finished the 1992–93 season as champions for the first time since 1967. They won the double (the league and the FA Cup) for the first time the following season, aided by the capture of Roy Keane, a determined midfielder from Nottingham Forest, who would go on to become the team captain. In the same year, however, the club was plunged into mourning following the death of legendary manager and club president Sir Matt Busby, who died on 20 January 1994.

In 1994–95, Cantona received an eight month suspension for jumping into the crowd and assaulting Crystal Palace supporter Matthew Simmons, who had given Cantona racial abuse as he left the field, in United's game at Selhurst Park. Drawing their last league match and losing to Everton in the FA Cup final left United as runners-up in both the league and FA Cup. Ferguson then outraged the supporters by selling key players and replacing them with players from the club's youth team, including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. The new players, several of whom quickly became regular internationals for England, did surprisingly well and United won the double again in 1995–96. This was the first time any English club had won the double twice, and the feat was nicknamed the "Double Double".

They won the league in 1996–97, and Eric Cantona announced his retirement from football at the age of 30. They started the following season (1997–98) well, but they finished in second place, behind the double-winning champions Arsenal.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986

History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986

United struggled to replace Busby, and the team struggled under Wilf McGuinness in the 1969–70 season, finishing a disappointing 8th, and following a poor start to the 1970–71 season, McGuinness was demoted back to the position of reserve team coach. Busby was coaxed back to the club, albeit only for six months. Results got better with Busby's guidance, but he finally left the club for the last time in the summer of 1971. In the meantime, United had lost a number of high-profile players such as Nobby Stiles and Pat Crerand.

Despite approaching Celtic's European Cup-winning manager, Jock Stein, for the manager's job — Stein had agreed a verbal contract to join United, but pulled out at the last minute — Frank O'Farrell was appointed as Busby's successor. However, like McGuinness, O'Farrell only lasted less than 18 months, the only difference between the two being that O'Farrell reacted to the team's poor form by bringing in some fresh talent, most specifically Martin Buchan from Aberdeen for £125,000. Tommy Docherty became manager at the end of 1972. Docherty, or "the Doc", saved United from relegation that season but United were relegated in 1974, by which time the golden trio of Best, Law and Charlton had left the club. Denis Law had moved to Manchester City in the summer of 1973, and ended up scoring the goal that many people say relegated United, and politely refused to celebrate the goal with his team mates. Players like Lou Macari, Stewart Houston and Brian Greenhoff were brought in to replace Best, Law and Charlton, but none could live up to the stature of the three that came before.



The team won promotion at the first attempt, with a young Steve Coppell making his début towards the end of that season, having joined from Tranmere Rovers, and reached the FA Cup final in 1976, but were beaten by Southampton. They reached the final again in 1977, beating Liverpool 2–1. In spite of this success and his popularity with the supporters, Docherty was sacked soon after the final when he was found to have had an affair with the physiotherapist's wife.

Dave Sexton replaced Docherty as manager in the summer of 1977, and made the team play in a more defensive formation. This style was unpopular with supporters, who were used to the attacking football preferred by Docherty and Busby. Major signings under Sexton included Joe Jordan, Gordon McQueen, Gary Bailey and Ray Wilkins, but Sexton's defensive United failed to break out of mid-table obscurity, only once finishing in the top two, and only reached the FA Cup final once, losing to Arsenal. Because of this lack of trophies, Sexton was sacked in 1981, even though he won his last seven games in charge.

He was replaced by the flamboyant Ron Atkinson, whose extrovert attitude was reflected in the clubs he managed. He immediately broke the British record transfer fee to sign Bryan Robson from his old club, West Brom. Robson would come to be touted in the future as United's best midfield player since Duncan Edwards. Atkinson's team featured new signings such as Jesper Olsen, Paul McGrath and Gordon Strachan playing alongside former youth-team players Norman Whiteside and Mark Hughes. United won the FA Cup twice in three years, in 1983 and 1985, and were overwhelming favourites to win the league in the 1985–86 season after winning their first ten league games, opening a ten-point gap over their rivals as early as October. The team's form collapsed, however, and United finished the season in fourth place. The poor form continued into the following season, and with United on the edge of the First Division's relegation zone by the beginning of November 1986, Atkinson was sacked.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)

History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)

1945 saw the appointment of Matt Busby to the manager's post at Old Trafford. He took an uncommon approach to his job, insisting that he be allowed to pick his own team, choose which players to sign and direct the team's training sessions himself. He had already missed out on the manager's job at his former club, Liverpool F.C., because the club saw those tasks as jobs for the directors, but United decided to take a chance on Busby's innovative ideas. Busby's first signing was not a player, but a new assistant manager by the name of Jimmy Murphy. The risk the club had taken in appointing Busby paid immediate dividends, with the club finishing second in the league in 1947, 1948 and 1949 and winning the FA Cup in 1948, thanks in part to the locally-born trio of Stan Pearson, Jack Rowley and Charlie Mitten (Rowley and Pearson both scored in the 1948 Cup Final), as well as the centre-half from the North-East, Allenby Chilton.

Charlie Mitten had fled to Colombia in search of a better salary, but the remainder of United's old heads managed to win the First Division title back in 1952. Busby knew, however, that football teams required more than just experience in the side, and so he adopted a policy of bringing in players from the youth team whenever possible. At first, the young players such as Roger Byrne, Bill Foulkes, Mark Jones and Dennis Viollet, took time to bed themselves into the side, sliding to a low of 8th place in 1953, but the team won the league again in 1956 with an average age of only 22, scoring 103 goals in the process. The youth policy set in motion by Busby has now become a hallmark of the most successful periods in the club's history (the mid-1950s, mid-to-late-1960s and 1990s). Busby's original "crop" of youth players was referred to as the Busby Babes, the jewel in the crown of which was a wing-half named Duncan Edwards. The boy from Dudley in the West Midlands made his United début at the age of just 16 back in 1953. It was said that Edwards could play at any position on the field, and many who saw him play said that he was the greatest player ever. The following season, 1956–57, they won the league again and reached the FA Cup final, losing to Aston Villa. They also became the first English team to compete in the European Cup, at the behest of the FA, who had denied Chelsea the same opportunity the previous season, and reached the semi-final, only to be knocked out by Real Madrid. En route to the semi-final, United also recorded a win that still stands as their biggest win in all competitions, beating Belgian champions Anderlecht 10–0 at Maine Road.

Tragedy struck the following season, when the plane carrying the team home from a European Cup match crashed on take-off at a refuelling stop in Munich, Germany. The Munich air disaster of 6 February 1958 claimed the lives of eight players - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam "Billy" Whelan - and another fifteen passengers, including United staff members Walter Crickmer, Bert Whalley and Tom Curry. There had already been two attempted take-offs before the fatal third, which was caused by a build-up of slush at the end of the runway slowing the plane down to a speed insufficient for take-off. The plane skidded off the end of the runway, through a fence and into an unoccupied house. United goalkeeper Harry Gregg managed to maintain consciousness after the crash, and through fear of the plane exploding at any second, he grabbed both Bobby Charlton — who had made his United début less than 18 months earlier — and Dennis Viollet by their waistbands and dragged them to safety. Seven United players died at the scene, while Duncan Edwards died a fortnight later in hospital. Right-winger Johnny Berry also survived the accident, but injuries sustained in the accident brought his football career to a premature end. Matt Busby was not given much hope of survival by the Munich doctors, and was even given the Last Rites at one point, but recovered miraculously and was finally let out of hospital after having spent over two months there.

There were rumours of the club folding and withdrawing from competitions, but with Jimmy Murphy taking over as manager while Busby recovered from his injuries, the club continued playing with a makeshift side. Despite the accident, they reached the FA Cup final again, where they lost to Bolton Wanderers. At the end of the season, UEFA offered the FA the opportunity to submit both United and the eventual champions, Wolverhampton Wanderers, for the 1958–59 European Cup as a tribute to the victims, but the FA declined. United managed to push Wolves right to the wire the following season, finishing in a creditable 2nd place; not bad for a team that had lost nine first-team players to the Munich air disaster.

Busby rebuilt the team throughout the early 1960s, signing players such as Denis Law and Pat Crerand, all the while nurturing his new generation of youngsters. Perhaps the most famous of this new batch was a young man from Belfast named George Best. Best had a natural athleticism rarely seen, but his most valuable asset was his close control of a football. His quick feet allowed him to pass through almost any gap in the opposition defence, no matter how small. The team won the FA Cup in 1963, albeit finishing in 19th place in the First Division. The FA Cup triumph seemed to reinvigorate the players, who helped the club to 2nd place in 1964, and then went one better by winning the league in 1965 and 1967. United won the European Cup in 1968, beating Eusébio's SL Benfica 4–1 in the final, becoming the first English club to win the competition. This United team was notable for containing three European Footballers of the Year: Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best. Matt Busby resigned as manager in 1969 and was replaced by the reserve-team coach and former United player, Wilf McGuinness.

Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

History of Manchester United F.C. Early years

History

Early years (1878–1945)

The club was formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C. in 1878 as the works team of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The club's shirts were green and gold halves. They played on a small, dilapidated field on North Road, near the future site of the Manchester Piccadilly railway station for fifteen years, before moving to Bank Street in the nearby town of Clayton in 1893. The club had entered the Football League the previous year and began to sever its links with the rail depot, becoming an independent company, appointing a club secretary and dropping the "L&YR" from their name to become simply Newton Heath F.C.. Not long afterwards, in 1902, the club neared bankruptcy, with debts of over £2500. At one point, their Bank Street ground was even closed by the bailiffs.

Just before having to be shut down for good, the club received a sizeable investment from J. H. Davies, the managing director of Manchester Breweries Legend goes that Harry Stafford, the club captain, was showing off his prized St. Bernard dog at a club fund-raiser, when Davies approached him to buy the dog. Stafford declined, but was able to persuade Davies to invest in the club and become club chairman. It was decided at one of the early board meetings that the club required a change of name to reflect the fresh start they had been afforded. Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic were among the names suggested, before Louis Rocca, a young immigrant from Italy, said "Gentlemen, why don't we call ourselves Manchester United?" The name stuck, and Manchester United officially came into existence on 26 April 1902. Davies also decided it would be appropriate to change the club's colours, abandoning the green and gold halves of Newton Heath, and picking red and white to be the colours of Manchester United.

Ernest Mangnall was appointed as club secretary after James West had resigned as manager on 28 September 1902. Mangnall was charged with trying to get the club into the First Division, and fell just short of that target at the first attempt, finishing in 5th in Division Two. Mangnall decided that it was necessary to bring in some fresh faces to the club, and signed players such as Harry Moger in goal, Dick Duckworth at half-back and John Picken up front, but it was another new half-back by the name of Charlie Roberts who made the biggest impact. He cost the club a then-record £750 from Grimsby Town in April 1904, and helped them to a third place finish in the 1903–04 season, just a point short of the second promotion place.



It was not long, however, before the club was at last promoted to the First Division for the first time under their new name, finishing in second place in the 1905–06 Second Division. A season of consolidation followed, with the club finishing in 8th, before they finally won their first league title in 1908. Manchester City had recently been under investigation for paying some of their players a salary over the amount allowed by FA regulations. They were fined £250 and eighteen of their players were banned from playing for them ever again. United were quick to pounce on the situation, picking up Billy Meredith (the Welsh Wizard) and Sandy Turnbull, amongst others. The new boys from across town were ineligible to play until New Year's Day 1907, due to their suspension, so it was left until the 1907–08 season for them to make a proper impact on United's bid for the title. And that they did, getting the campaign off to a storming start, with a 2–1 victory over Sheffield United, beginning a run of ten consecutive victories. Despite a shaky end to the season, United managed to hang on and finished the season nine points ahead of their closest rivals, Aston Villa.

The following season began with United picking up another piece of silverware, the first ever Charity Shield,[15] and ended with another, the club's first FA Cup title, sowing the seeds for what has become a record number of FA Cup titles. Just as they were in the club's first title-winning campaign, Turnbull and Meredith were instrumental in this season, Turnbull scoring the winner in the FA Cup Final. The club had to wait another two years before winning any more silverware, winning the First Division for the second time in the 1910–11 season. In the meantime, United moved to their new ground at Old Trafford. They played their first game there on 19 February 1910 against Liverpool, but lost 4–3 having thrown away a 3–0 lead. They then went trophyless again in the 1911–12 season, which not only proved to be the last with Mangnall in charge (he moved to Manchester City after ten years with United), but also the last time the club won the First Division for 41 years, the longest time they have gone without winning the league in their history.

For the next ten years, the club went into a state of gradual decline before being relegated back down to Division Two in 1922. They were promoted again in 1925, but struggled to get into the top half of the table, and were relegated again in 1931. In the eight years leading up to the Second World War, the club became somewhat of a yo-yo club, reaching their all-time lowest position of 20th in Division Two in 1934. They were promoted and relegated once again before being promoted in the penultimate season before the Second World War. They guaranteed their place in the top flight for after the war by finishing in 14th in the 1938–39 season.


Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

Manchester United F.C.

Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at the Old Trafford stadium in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and is arguably the most popular football club in the world, with over 330 million supporters worldwide almost 5% of the world's population. The club was a founding member of the Premier League in 1992, and has played in the top division of English football since 1975. Average attendances at the club have been higher than any other team in English football for all but six seasons since 1964–65.

The club is the second most successful in the history of English football and by far the most successful of recent times, having won 19 major honours since the start of Alex Ferguson's reign as manager in November 1986. They are the Premier League's reigning champions, and have won the Premier League/Football League 17 times, one short of Liverpool's record 18 league titles. In 1968, they became the first English club to win the European Cup, beating S.L. Benfica 4–1, and they won a second European Cup in 1999. They also hold the record for the most FA Cup titles with 11.



Since the late 1990s, the club has been one of the richest in the world with the highest revenue of any football club, and is currently ranked as the richest and most valuable club in football, and indeed any sport, with a value of £897 million (€1,333 mil / $1,800 mil) as of May 2008. Manchester United was a founding member of the now-defunct G-14 group of Europe's leading football clubs and its replacement, the European Club Association.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been manager of the club since 6 November 1986. The current club captain is Gary Neville, who succeeded Roy Keane in November 2005.


Possibly related posts:
Manchester United F.C.
History of Manchester United F.C. Early years
History of Manchester United F.C. The Busby years (1945–1969)
History of Manchester United F.C. 1969–1986
History of Manchester United F.C. Alex Ferguson era, pre-Treble (1986–1998)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Treble (1998–99)
History of Manchester United F.C. After the Treble (1999–2008)
History of Manchester United F.C. The Malcolm Glazer takeover
History of Manchester United F.C. Club crest and colours


Source: Manchester United F.C.

Premier League

The Premier League, colloquially known as The Premiership or internationally the EPL, is an English professional league for football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The Premier League is currently contested by 20 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 38 games each. It is currently sponsored by Barclays Bank, and known as the Barclays Premier League.

The competition formed as the FA Premier League on 20 February 1992 and the first games were played on 15 August that year, following the decision of clubs in the Football League First Division to break away from The Football League to take advantage of a lucrative television rights deal; The Football League had served as England and Wales' primary football competition since 1888. Since then, the Premier League has become the world's most watched sporting league and the most lucrative football league, with combined club revenues of around £1.4 billion in 2005–06, which is expected to rise to around £1.8 billion for 2007–08, primarily due to rising media revenues. The league is a corporation with the 20 clubs acting as shareholders.

A total of 40 clubs have competed in the Premier League, but only four have won the title: Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The current champions are Manchester United, who won their tenth Premier League title in the 2007–08 season, the most of any Premier League team.

Origins

The 1980s had marked a low point for English football. Stadiums were crumbling, supporters endured poor facilities, hooliganism was rife, and English clubs were banned from European competition following the events at Heysel in 1985. The Football League First Division, which had been the top level of English football since 1888, was well behind leagues such as Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga in attendances and revenues, and several top English players had moved abroad. However, by the turn of the 1990s the downward trend was starting to reverse; England had been successful in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. UEFA, European football's governing body, lifted the five-year ban on English clubs playing in European competitions in 1990 and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards, which proposed expensive upgrades to create all-seater stadiums, was published in January of that year.

Television money had also become much more important; the Football League received £6.3million for a two-year agreement in 1986, but when that deal was renewed in 1988, the price rose to £44m over four years. The 1988 negotiations were the first signs of a breakaway league; ten clubs threatened to leave and form a "super league", but were eventually persuaded to stay. As stadiums improved and match attendance and revenues rose, the country's top teams again considered leaving the Football League in order to capitalise on the growing influx of money being pumped into the sport.

Foundation

In the 1991 close season, a proposal for the establishment of a new league was tabled that would bring more money into the game overall. The Founder Members Agreement, signed on 17 July 1991 by the game's top-flight clubs, established the basic principles for setting up the FA Premier League. The newly formed top division would have commercial independence from the Football Association and the Football League, giving the FA Premier League license to negotiate its own broadcast and sponsorship agreements. This was considered necessary so that English clubs could once again compete with and beat the best of Europe, while attracting the best talent in the world, something which in 1991 seemed practically unthinkable.

In 1992 the First Division clubs resigned from the Football League en masse and on 27 May 1992 the FA Premier League was formed as a limited company working out of an office at the Football Association's then headquarters in Lancaster Gate. This meant a break-up of the 104-year-old Football League that had operated until then with four divisions; the Premier League would operate with a single division and the Football League with three. There was no change in competition format; the same number of teams competed in the top flight, and promotion and relegation between the Premier League and the new First Division remained on the same terms as between the old First and Second Divisions.

The 22 inaugural members of the new Premiership were Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wimbledon.

Establishment

As of the end of the 2007–08 season, there had been 16 completed seasons of the Premier League. The league held its first season in 1992–93 and was originally composed of 22 clubs. The first ever Premiership goal was scored by Brian Deane of Sheffield United in a 2–1 win against Manchester United. Due to insistence by FIFA, the international governing body of football, that domestic leagues reduce the number of games clubs played, the number of clubs was reduced to 20 in 1995 when four teams were relegated from the league and only two teams promoted. On 8 June 2006, FIFA requested that all major European leagues, including Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga be reduced to 18 teams by the start of the 2007–08 season. The Premier League responded by announcing their intention to resist such a reduction. Ultimately the 2007–08 season kicked off again with 20 teams. The league changed its name from the FA Premier League to simply the Premier League in 2007. That same season saw the discussion over Game 39, a showpiece match played overseas.

Corporate structure

The Premier League is operated as a corporation and is owned by the 20 member clubs. Each club is a shareholder, with one vote each on issues such as rule changes and contracts. The clubs elect a chairman, chief executive, and board of directors to oversee the daily operations of the league. The Football Association is not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the Premier League, but has veto power as a special shareholder during the election of the chairman and chief executive and when new rules are adopted by the league.

The Premier League sends representatives to UEFA's European Club Forum, the number of clubs and the clubs themselves chosen according to UEFA coefficients. The European Club Forum is responsible for electing three members to UEFA's Club Competitions Committee, which is involved in the operations of UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Source: Premier League

The Manchester Derby

A look at the history of the rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.



The Manchester derby, where the Reds of United take on the Blues of City is a rivalry that has polarised the city for 127 years. It has always been a highly anticipated and hotly contested affair, not just between the players, but between fans as well.



It's a chance for City fans to tease United supporters that their club is not actually in Manchester, with Old Trafford being situated just outside the city boundaries. And it is an opportunity for United fans to remind Blues supporters just how many trophies the Red Devils have won in the past decade.

Much of the rivalry is also based on the perception of which club is the more successful, with each club having extended spells of dominance over the other. United have been a force in world football since the 1990s, with the standout highlight being their treble winning campaign of 1999. However it was City who were the most successful side in the 1960s and 70s, winning several major trophies.

The history of the derby stretches back 127 years, when on12th November 1881, St Mark's entertained their visitors, Newton Heath LYR. The Heathens ran out 3-0 winners, and so a passionate derby was born. St Mark's would go on to be renamed Manchester City while, over time, Newton Heath would take the name that would become synonymous with football the world over - Manchester United.

eventful day

The teams first met in the Football League on 3rd November 1894, when Newton Heath beat the now renamed Manchester City 5-2 at Hyde Road - City's former ground. In 1926, City recorded the biggest-ever victory in the derby - a comfortable 6-1 win over their neighbours.

Twenty years later, Old Trafford was in need of repair after sustaining damages during the Second World War, and both clubs played their matches at Maine Road. The 0-0 draw that took place in the 1947/48 season recorded the largest attendance of a Manchester derby, a crowd of 78,000, while both clubs continued to share Maine Road.

In the 1970s, the matches were renowned for their hard fought, battling style. An infamous fixture of the decade came at Old Trafford on the last day of the 1973/74 season. United, on the verge of relegation, had to win or face life outside of Division One. With 10 minutes remaining and the score at 0-0, former United turned City player Denis Law scored with a back-heeled effort to play his part in confirming the Red Devils' relegation. He did not celebrate his strike and was substituted shortly after. For 35-year-old Law it was his last contribution to professional football, as he announced his retirement during the close season.

But Law is not the only player to have crossed the great divide and play for both United and City. Robert Milarvie was the first in 1891, paving the way for the likes of Billy Meredith, John Gidman, and Peter Barnes, plus legendary United manager Sir Matt Busby, who spent eight years of his playing career with Manchester City. Northern Ireland forward Sammy McIlroy, who spent a decade with the Red Devils in the 1970s, also had a short spell with City in the mid-80s.

impressive record

And it is at Maine Road where McIlroy recalls one of his favourite memories, scoring on his surprise debut for United, 16 years before he went on to play for the Blues.

"I went along thinking they wanted me to help with the kit or something, only to be told at 11am that I was playing!" said McIlroy.

"When we came out of the tunnel, the noise was electrifying. I'd never heard anything like it."

In recent years, United goal-scoring hero Andy Cole moved to Manchester City five years after he last played for their rivals. After joining City in 2005, he said: "It's an honour to have played for both Manchester clubs."

Like Cole, Peter Schmeichel also moved to the Blues towards the end of his career. The legendary 'keeper can boast never being on the losing side in any Manchester derby he has played in. After nine years between the sticks for United, Schmeichel had short spells with Sporting Lisbon and Aston Villa, before joining City in the 2002/03 season. During his short spell with the Blues, he maintained his impressive record, after City won the Maine Road encounter, in his final derby match.

In the 2007/08 season, Schmeichel's son Kasper, a City academy graduate, was in goal as Sven-Goran Eriksson's side recorded a 1-0 home win over their neighbours. In doing so, Kasper, having never lost in a Manchester derby, was able to carry on his father's tradition.

anything is possible

Since the Premier League was formed in 1992, United have had the upper hand, winning 12 of the 22 derby matches. Four of City's five wins have come at home, with the fifth being their historic 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the 2007/08 season. There has been five draws.

United managed to go unbeaten in derby matches throughout the 1990s, with perhaps the most notable fixture of that period being their 5-0 home win in the 1994/95 season. Yet times have changed since City's 2002 top flight promotion. Impressively, City have matched United win-for-win, with each club recording five victories in derby matches.

Since the turn of the millennium, arguably the most memorable contest between the two came on 9th November 2002. It was the last derby played at Maine Road before City moved to their new Eastlands stadium. Schmeichel was in goal for City, for his one and only match against Manchester United. Nicolas Anelka made the most of a poorly dealt with ball from Fabien Barthez to put the home side up inside five minutes. The scores were level just three minutes later through an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer strike, before a mistake by Gary Neville allowed Shaun Goater to give the Blues the lead midway through the first half. Goater then scored his second and City's third, his 100th goal for the club to put the victory beyond doubt.

And Goater, who came to England as a teenager from the United States to play for Manchester United, has some wise words of advice for the City and United players.

"When you've been at three or four (derbies) you know what it means to supporters because you have seen the passion coming through from the stands," he said.

"Sometimes it is not about playing well yourself individually but stopping others.

"The game itself can come down to competing, and who wants it more. You cannot just rely on your ability to get you through these games.

"You have to battle because if you wait to produce the goods, by the time you have beaten three men and scored in the top corner the game could be all over."

Goater continued his excellent form against his old club in the return match at Old Trafford in the 2002/03 season, scoring a late equaliser just nine seconds after coming off the bench.

"It is important to remain focused - then anything is possible," he added.

On 10 February 2008, City recorded their first win at Old Trafford since Denis Law helped to relegate his former club in 1974. Sven-Goran Eriksson's men completed a historic league double over their rivals thanks to goals from Darius Vassell and debutant Benjani Mwaruwari. United's Michael Carrick scored an injury time consolation, but it was not enough to prevent City from denting United's title hopes.

Manchester United / Hard graft key for Anderson

Brazil midfielder Anderson believes Manchester United's work ethic separates them from the rest.



And the 20-year-old - already being tipped as a future club legend - has tapped into that culture after arriving last summer from Porto.

Anderson marked his debut season in England by helping United retain their Barclays Premier League title - and now he has set his sights on winning the Champions League on Wednesday when Chelsea provide the opposition in Moscow.

Anderson claims there is no secret to United's success and has already bought into the Old Trafford way of life despite his young age.

no different

"A team with players like (Wayne) Rooney, (Carlos) Tevez, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Michael) Carrick, (Paul) Scholes and other star players, you don't need to do much, only work hard, " he said.

"That's something I do and if I have the chance I will try to help my team the best that I can and make the most of the moment. It is a dream for any player to be in a Champions League final and I am no different."

Bolton Wanderers / Trio leave Wanderers

Ivan Campo, Stelios Giannakopoulos and Andranik Teymourian have been released by Bolton Wanderers.



Wanderers finished just a point above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone after staging a remarkable escape and manager Gary Megson has started planning for next year.

"Ivan, Stelios and Andranik have all done well for Bolton Wanderers and I'd like to express my gratitude to them," said the Bolton coach. "It's time for them to move on and I wish them all the best."

future plans

Megson wants to persuade goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defender Ricardo Gardner to sign new contracts. Jaaskelainen and Gardner's contracts expire at the end of June but Megson remains hopeful of extending their stay at the Reebok.

"Jussi and Ricardo have both been excellent servants and are still very much part of my future plans for this football club," he told the club's website. "Hopefully, we can get them secured on new deals as soon as possible."

Portsmouth / Portsmouth crowned FA Cup winners

Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup for the first time since 1939, as Kanu scored in a 1-0 win over Cardiff City at Wembley.



The Nigerian striker scored the goal which earned Pompey a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the semi-final - and he pounced after 37 minutes of Saturday's final with the Bluebirds, stabbing home from close range after Peter Enckelman had spilled a right-wing cross from John Utaka.

Kanu also missed the match's other clear-cut chance on 22 when he rounded Enckelman and Glenn Loovens before hitting the upright from a tight angle.

And it was defender Loovens who went closest to an equaliser for Dave Jones' troops, chipping the ball into the net on 45 only to see referee Mike Dean rule the goal out for a handball offence.

narrow lead

Sulley Muntari had the first chance of the match, seeing his 30-yard deflected strike saved. Paul Parry was denied by David James' interception as Cardiff responded, and the England keeper blocked Parry's shot minutes later before Kevin McNaughton saw a deflected strike trickle inches wide of the upright.

Muntari then set up Kanu on 22 minutes but he lost his composure after brilliantly beating Loovens and Enckelman, sidefooting a left-footed shot against the upright with the goal at his mercy.

Peter Whittingham's free-kick found Roger Johnson as Cardiff more than held their own, but his header flew inches over the crossbar with James beaten.

Kanu then found the net from four yards out after Utaka's cross was spilled, and Pompey took their narrow lead into the interval.

wembley glory

After the break, Lassana Diarra's charging run set up Kanu, whose goalbound shot was deflected for a corner by Loovens on 53.

Muntari let fly from 30 yards but his thunderbolt rose just over the bar, and sub David Nugent stung Enckelman's hands with an angled 18-yard drive on 71.

Jones sent on Steve Thompson for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink but it was Joe Ledley who went closest, firing a 25-yard effort over the crossbar.

The Pompey fans were cheering once again at the final whistle, as they celebrated Wembley glory and securing a UEFA Cup place.

Arsenal / Vela set for Arsenal return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will welcome Carlos Vela back to the club this summer.



The Mexican has spent the last season on loan at Osasuna and will play his final match for the Spanish club on Sunday as they look to avoid relegation.

The 19-year-old has yet to play a match for Arsenal since joining the club from Guadalajara.

Type rest of the post here
work permit

However, Wenger will now apply for a work permit for the attacker and is hoping he can make an impression in the 2008/09 season.

"We have applied for a work permit for him now," Wenger told the club's official website. "And he will be involved with the first-team next season.

"He has played the whole season at Osasuna on the left wing and he had to work hard there. But for me it is not his position. He is a central striker, an Eduardo type."

Vela has played for Mexico three times, scoring once.

Chelsea / Grant has Cole backing

Joe Cole maintains Avram Grant is the right man to drive Chelsea on towards both European and domestic glory.



The Israeli coach - who took over from fans' favourite Jose Mourinho in September last year - ensured that his side pressed Manchester United to the last match in the race for the Barclays Premier League title and also guided the West London club into their first Champions League final.

Grant is hopeful such achievements will allow him to continue in the job and Cole believes he should ignore any criticism that comes his way.

"It is part and parcel of being a manager or a footballer - there is always someone ready to have a pop at you," said Cole.

"I don't pay any attention to what those people think of me, and I am sure Avram doesn't either. He has got broad shoulders."

biggest duffer

Cole, 26, continued: "There are people who will say if you win one game you are a God, and if you lose one game then you are the biggest duffer to have ever played football.

"If you look back at it, with all that has happened here, you have to say the club is going in the right direction.

"But we are not too interested in plaudits - you want trophies.

"We fought United all the way for the title and we are disappointed not to have won, but credit has to go to the whole squad and everyone around the place who have kept it going, shown real steel and determination.

"If we were to win in Moscow, then we would be going full speed ahead again.

"The Champions League final is the top of the mountain, the benchmark for any club. To win it is a massive achievement."

Manchester City / City claim UEFA Cup place

Manchester City will play in the UEFA Cup next season after claiming a place through the Premier League Fair Play table.



City finished sixth in the Fair Play league and qualify because they were the highest placed team that haven't already qualified for Europe.

It means City will enter the competition at the first qualifying round stage in July on what they hope will be the start of a long run to the final in Istanbul next May.

main stages

Having gained entry into the competition, one year ahead of schedule according to the blueprint of owner Thaksin Shinawatra, City will be fancied to reach the main stages in September.

While the draw for the first qualifying round is not due to be made until 30th June, City already know they have been placed in the Northern section.

This puts them in line to face opposition from Estonia, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Lithuania or Luxembourg, plus opposition closer to home in the form of two Northern Irish representatives Glentoran and Cliftonville, two from the Republic in Cork City and current league leaders St Patrick's Athletic, as well as Bangor from Wales.

There is also the possibility of a rematch with Wales' other representatives The New Saints who, as Total Network Solutions, faced City when they last got into the UEFA Cup by the same route in 2003.

To view the Fair Play table, click here.

Chelsea / Ballack: I am more ruthless

Michael Ballack believes his move to Chelsea has turned him into a more ruthless player.



The Germany captain joined the club on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2006 but failed to settle in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder is now playing some of his best football for the Blues as they prepare for their Champions League final against Manchester United in Moscow next week.

11038
But the experienced 31-year-old admits he's been forced to alter his playing style in order to save him from becoming anonymous in a team of superstars.

"Playing for Chelsea I have to be more ruthless than in the German national team where I've managed to earn myself a different status over the years," Ballack said.

high water

"But it also means that I'm expected to make decisions on the pitch - it's different at Chelsea.

"We have six captains from national teams on our side - John Terry for England, Didier Drogba for the Ivory Coast, Andriy Shevchenko for the Ukraine, Petr Cech for the Czech Republic, Claudio Pizarro for Peru and me for Germany, as well as quite a few top international players.

"It goes without saying that everyone is forced to show some restraint so as not to jeopardise our success. But you have to face the challenge.

"You have to make people sit up and take notice of you otherwise you just go under in a team like this, you're just devoured by the machine. And so I've become more ruthless.

"But I wanted to play with all these stars - come hell or high water. Just to be able to prove that I could meet the challenge. It was well worth the battle for me.

"And now I can say, whatever happens, I've accomplished something. At the same time, I was never worried that I wouldn't succeed."

Liverpool / Hobbs hoping for new Anfield contract

Liverpool youngster Jack Hobbs is hoping to force himself into the first-team reckoning and earn a new contract.



The 19-year-old has now returned from an impressive loan spell with Scunthorpe United and is looking to make his mark under Rafael Benitez.

"I'm sure something will happen this summer. They will either extend my contract or sell me," he told the club's official website.

"I want to stay, but ultimately it comes down to playing first-team football.

come true

"I'm at the age where I want to get out there and make a name for myself.

"It would be ideal if that was at Liverpool, but we'll have to wait and see."

He added: "Overall it's been a good season. I made my first-team debut and played in the Premiership, which was a dream come true.

"I got to mark players like (Andriy) Shevchenko, (Nicolas) Anelka and (Robbie) Fowler, which was such an amazing experience.

"And I got to play in front of the Kop and at Stamford Bridge and was on the bench in the Champions League at Besiktas and Marseilles."

Manchester United FC / Ferdinand signs new United deal

Rio Ferdinand has signed a new contract at Manchester United which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013.



The new deal effectively means Ferdinand will spend the remainder of his career with United.

After originally joining the Red Devils in 2002, the former West Ham United player has gone on to fulfil his promise of becoming one of the most accomplished defenders in the game.

11038
"Rio's contribution this season has been a major factor in our outstanding defensive performance and I am delighted he has signed a new contract," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson also fuelled a growing belief that the 29-year-old has been earmarked as the club's next captain.

Ferdinand has taken the captain's armband on a regular basis with Ryan Giggs used so sparingly towards the back end of the campaign and is likely to lead United into their Champions League final meeting with Chelsea on 21st May.

tremendous support

And although Gary Neville will be back from injury next season, the implication is as soon as the long-serving full-back stands aside, Ferdinand will get the job full-time.

"Rio has matured into his role at the club and has shown, when needed, what a great captain and leader he can be," said Ferguson.

Coming just before United head out to Moscow, aiming to become European Cup winners for the third time, the news offers Ferguson and his men the perfect lift.

"Manchester United is a fantastic club and I am delighted I have signed a new contract," said Ferdinand, who clinched his third Premier League title after beating Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

"It is a great honour to be part of this trophy-winning team and to share in the success, which I am sure will continue for many seasons to come.

"I would like to thank the manager, the coaching staff, the players and the fans for the tremendous support they have given me since I joined the club."

Premier League Table

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Man Utd	38	27	6	5	80	22	+58	87
2	Chelsea	38	25	10	3	65	26	+39	85
3	Arsenal	38	24	11	3	74	31	+43	83
4	Liverpool	38	21	13	4	67	28	+39	76
5	Everton	38	19	8	11	55	33	+22	65
6	Aston Villa	38	16	12	10	71	51	+20	60
7	Blackburn	38	15	13	10	50	48	+2	58
8	Portsmouth	38	16	9	13	48	40	+8	57
9	Man City	38	15	10	13	45	53	-8	55
10	West Ham	38	13	10	15	42	50	-8	49
11	Tottenham	38	11	13	14	66	61	+5	46
12	Newcastle	38	11	10	17	45	65	-20	43
13	Middlesbrough	38	10	12	16	43	53	-10	42
14	Wigan	38	10	10	18	34	51	-17	40
15	Sunderland	38	11	6	21	36	59	-23	39
16	Bolton	38	9	10	19	36	54	-18	37
17	Fulham	38	8	12	18	38	60	-22	36
18	Reading	38	10	6	22	41	66	-25	36
19	Birmingham	38	8	11	19	46	62	-16	35
20	Derby	38	1	8	29	20	89	-69	11

Manchester United FC / Giggs delight at ten titles

Ryan Giggs couldn’t contain his delight having scored the goal that sealed United’s tenth Premier League crown.

But the Reds’ winger, who was a second-half substitute for Ji-sung Park, says doing it in a game where he equalled Sir Bobby Charton’s appearance record is a mere aside.

“It feels great,” he said of his record-extending tenth title. “I’m not bothered about individual records, this is what it’s all about – championships.

“We knew it would be a tough game, and it was. We did well in the first half and got that first goal. Then it was a case of holding on.”

Giggs’ goal nine minutes from time ended any hopes of a late Wigan intervention, and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving player.

“It was a great goal just to settle us down,” added the Welshman. “We felt a little more comfortable after that.”

The 34-year-old is now targeting a double in Moscow on 21 May. The Reds travel to Russia to take on Chelsea in the Champions League final, and Giggs says: “Winning the league feels great, and hopefully we can win another trophy in ten days’ time.”

Rio Ferdinand, thrice a title winner himself, spoke of the players' admiration for Ryan.

"This is my third title but it’s Giggsy’s tenth and that puts it into perspective," said Rio. "He keeps driving on every season and that’s an inspiration to all the lads.”

Source: manutd.com

Manchester United FC / TEN KEYS TO TITLE SUCCESS

Red View puts forward 10 reasons why United are Premier League champions for the 10th time…

Home Rule
Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken in recent seasons about the need to re-establish Old Trafford as a fortress. It's safe to say that mission has been accomplished this term. Aside from Reading's opening day bore draw and the horror of February's defeat to Manchester City, United have beaten all comers in M16, winning 17 out of 19 games.

Leaving It Late
Opposing teams expect to be on the rack in the closing stages of games, and stats show that United are at their deadliest in the final 15 minutes of games. Most telling in this season’s title race were two dramatic strikes from Carlos Tevez - a tap-in at Tottenham and a priceless header at Blackburn in April.

That Boy Ronaldo
While the winger himself is ever-eager to point out that it’s not a one-man show, United fans have been privileged to watch a genius at work this season. Almost always at his unplayable best, Ronaldo has plundered goal after goal, overtaking records in the same way he plays - left, right and centre.

Defence
For all the plaudits lavished upon the Reds’ star-studded attack, the platform for this season’s success has been built on a miserly defensive record. Despite being without skipper Gary Neville all season, United’s backline registered 20 domestic clean sheets - the finest defensive record in the Premier League.

Big Game Hunters
Until April's defeat at Stamford Bridge, United's record against the members of the 'Big Four' was almost unblemished. Ever able to raise themselves for the big games, the Reds beat Liverpool twice, took four points off Arsenal and beat Chelsea at OT, taking 13 points from a possible 18.

New Boys
The near-instant assimilation of four summer arrivals was key to United’s title triumph. The young Portuguese-based Anderson and Nani proved themselves as players for now, not just the future, while the more experienced Hargreaves and Tevez were integral to the Reds' late-season surge.

Squad Depth
Last season’s bid for a second Treble was left in tatters by injuries. Eager to avoid a repeat, Sir Alex made new signings and brought back a host of youngsters to bolster his squad. The move worked wonders, with every squad member contributing when injuries hit – just recall Ben Foster’s heroics at Derby for example.

Experience
For all the free-spirited youthfulness of United’s play, the calmness of some sage old heads has been an influential factor. Off the field, Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff have been there, done it enough times to keep everybody grounded, while experienced players like Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs brought vital know-how at fraught times.

Bouncing Back
The mark of champions is to respond positively to setbacks, which is exactly what United did all season. Every time questions were posed by a domestic defeat – Manchester City (twice), Bolton, West Ham, Chelsea – the Reds responded with a victory.

Attack, Attack, Attack
Much was made of the contrast in the title chasers’ styles. Pragmatic, robotic Chelsea doing battle with swashbuckling, easy-on-the-eye United for the grand prize. Had the rivals finished on the same number of points, then goal difference would have won it for the free-scoring Reds.

Source: Red View

Manchester United FC / CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

United's tenth Premier League title means so much to so many people. Here is a selection of quotes which capture the mood...

"It feels great. I'm not bothered about individual records, this is what it’s all about – championships." - Ryan Giggs

"This is my third title but it’s Giggsy’s tenth and that puts it into perspective. He keeps driving on every season and that’s an inspiration to all the lads." - Rio Ferdinand

“The pressure was high, but we believed in ourselves and we deserve to win the title, definitely." - Cristiano Ronaldo

"Alex Ferguson’s record is simply sensational. The man is a genius. And if there's anyone I would have liked to equal my record, it’s Ryan Giggs. He’s a credit to his family, the club, the game and himself." - Sir Bobby Charlton

"We knew that coming into the last two games, if we got six points we’d be champions. We could see the finish line. It was in our hands and we weren’t going to let it slip. We were so determined to retain the title." - Wayne Rooney

"I think [equalling Liverpool's] 18 titles will come. This side’s young. It’s developing all the time. It’s a good young team and there are plenty of years left in them. They’ll do it in their own time." - Sir Alex Ferguson

Source: Red View

Manchester United FC / WE'RE CHAMPIONS: SIR ALEX ECSTATIC

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted after landing his 10th Barclays Premier League title as United boss. This is what he said in his first post-match interview at Wigan:

Was this the toughest title race so far?
“It was a tough one all right and being away from home made it more difficult. In fairness for most of the game we played well. There were some nervous moments and then the rain came, anything can happen on a rainy surface. Just after half-time we started to get a grip of it. We missed a few chances and the goalkeeper made some great saves. I was saying to myself, “please give us that second goal.” Of course, my oldest player, ten medals today, gets it – Ryan Giggs. Fantastic."

How nervous were you when Chelsea went 1-0 up?
“There was a guy behind us who kept telling us it was 2-0 to Chelsea after one minute. You’ve got to try and dismiss all the stuff round about you, forget what was happening at Chelsea and concentrate on our own game. I think we did that."

What would you regard as the turning point in the title race?
"It ebbed and flowed a bit. Arsenal, for long periods, looked like they were going to win it. Then they dropped a few points after we knocked them out of the FA Cup and that told for them. We then dropped a few points at Blackburn and Middlesbrough and that allowed Chelsea to close right in. But the two points Chelsea dropped against Wigan probably won the title for us."

How does it feel to have won 10 titles?
"Fantastic. I’m very proud. Proud to have survived for so long. It’s a great club and it’s much easier for me than it is for anyone else. How would I do without this? Tell me."

What impact will winning the title have on the Champions League final?
"The great thing is we’re bouncing into the final. We can look forward to it. If we’d lost the title today, it would have been difficult. When we lost the title at West Ham in 1995, we lost the FA Cup final the following week. We were dead then. We’re not dead now, we’re alive. If we win the European Cup, this has to be my best team."

Source: Red View