Early years (1878-1945) - History

The club was formed as Newton Heath LYR F.C. in 1878 as the works team of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath, then started to sever it's links with the rail depot in 1890, becoming Newton Heath F.C.. After nearing bankruptcy in 1902, the club was taken over by J H Davies who changed its name to Manchester United, chosen over Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic. The Old Trafford Football Ground was bombed during the Second World War, leading the club to seek charity from their then more-illustrious neighbours Manchester City, who allowed them to play their games at Maine Road for a period.