Manchester United Football Club is an English association football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. The club was formed in Newton Heath in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR F.C., and played their first competitive match in October 1886, when they entered the First Round of the 1886–87 FA Cup.[2] The club was renamed Manchester United F.C. in 1902, and they moved to Old Trafford in 1910.[3] The club won its first significant trophy in 1908 – the First Division title. Since then, the club has won a further 18 league titles, along with 11 FA Cups and four Football League Cups. They have also been crowned champions of Europe on three occasions by winning the European Cup.[3][4] The club was one of 22 teams in the Premier League when it was formed in 1992. They are currently experiencing the most successful period in their history under the management of Alex Ferguson, who has guided the team to twelve league titles in nineteen years.[5][6]
Since playing their first competitive match, more than 850 players have appeared in competitive first-team matches for the club, many of whom have played between 25 and 99 matches (including substitute appearances). Carlos Tévez fell one short of 100 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 34 goals in those matches, since he joined the club as a free agent in the summer of 2007.[7] Billy Whelan, George Perrins, Arnold Mühren and Diego Forlán all played 98 matches in all competitions for Manchester United. Darren Ferguson, Jesper Blomqvist and Owen Hargreaves are among the former players who have been awarded league winners medals. Out of the players still at the club, Ecuadorian midfielder Antonio Valencia is the closest to 100 appearances; he has played 89 matches for Manchester United.
As of 4 Janaury 2012, a total of 220 players have played between 25 and 99 competitive matches for the club. Of those players, 11 are still playing for the club and can add to their total.
Statistics correct as of match played 26 December 2011
Pre-1960s | Post-1960s | ||
---|---|---|---|
GK | Goalkeeper | ||
FB | Full back | DF | Defender |
HB | Half back | MF | Midfielder |
FW | Forward | ||
U | Utility player1 |
|