Early History of Manchester United – College Essay Example

a new ground located next to a chemical plant. However, Manchester United's performance during the 1893/94 season was no better than their previous one and resulted in them being relegated into Second Division.
At the turn of the century, financial troubles threatened Newton Heath's future until local brewery owner John Henry Davies came to its rescue. By chance, he discovered the club while searching for a St.Bernard dog for his daughter and met Harry Stafford at a pub who happened to be its owner and liked Davies' chosen dog.They subsequently made an agreement wherein Davies invested in exchange for ownership of said dog; while not confirmed as factually accurate,this story is credited with saving Manchester United from bankruptcy.Davies changed Newton Heath to Manchester United, providing a fresh start at Bank Street. Ernest Mangnall became their first manager in September 1903, marking a new era. After being relegated for 12 years, United was promoted back to the First League at the end of the 1905/06 season. Billy Meredith's signing from rivals Manchester City helped United win their first League title in 1908. By lending ?60,000 in 1909, they moved to Old Trafford where better playing conditions were available with changing rooms and showers after matches. Prior to World War I, United had less successful campaigns and avoided relegation by one point. The war caused player losses that were not recruited. Between wars, financial and sports performance declined but they returned after a four-year gap due to war. Relegation followed in 1922 after winning only eight out of 42 matches but later recovered with promotion. The death of John Henry Davies led to deteriorating finances almost resulting in

bankruptcy in 1927 for Manchester United.James Gibson, who was a manufacturer of army uniforms, invested ?30,000 and took over the club's finances in order to rescue it from financial ruin. The team had hit rock bottom during the 1933/34 season where they narrowly avoided being relegated into the third division but managed to make a comeback two years later. Their debt peaked at an unprecedented amount of ?70,000 prior to World War II. Despite Old Tradeoff being taken over as a military depot during the war, football games were still played there. Although Luftwaffe had targeted Ere stadium repeatedly throughout World War II, it remained partially intact and Manchester United continued playing their "home" games at Maine Road - their rival Manchester City's stadium.