History of Manchester United F.C. in Timeline
Manchester United F.C., nicknamed the Red Devils, is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name in 1902 and competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. After playing in Clayton, Manchester, the club moved to its current stadium, Old Trafford, in 1910.
April 1902: Manchester United Officially Born
On April 24, 1902, after investment from local businessmen, Newton Heath was renamed Manchester United.
1902: Name Change and Colour Change
After the name change in 1902, the club colours were changed to red shirts, white shorts, and black socks, which has become the standard Manchester United home kit.
1902: Name Change to Manchester United
In 1902, Newton Heath LYR Football Club officially changed its name to Manchester United.
1902: Bank Street Ground Temporarily Closed
In 1902, the Bank Street ground was temporarily closed by bailiffs. Club captain Harry Stafford raised funds, John Henry Davies invested, and a new stand was erected.
1903: Ernest Mangnall Assumes Managerial Duties
In 1903, Ernest Mangnall became the manager of Manchester United.
1906: Second Division Runners-Up
In 1906, Manchester United finished as Second Division runners-up, securing promotion to the First Division.
February 1909: Old Trafford Named as New Home
In February 1909, Old Trafford was named as the home of Manchester United, following the purchase of land for around £60,000.
1909: Shirt Worn in the FA Cup Final
In 1922, the club adopted white shirts bearing a deep red "V" around the neck, similar to the shirt worn in the 1909 FA Cup final.
1910: Move to Old Trafford
In 1910, Manchester United moved to Old Trafford.
1911: First Division Title
In 1911, Manchester United won the First Division for the second time.
1922: Relegation to Second Division
In 1922, Manchester United was relegated to the Second Division.
1922: Adoption of White Shirts with Red "V"
In 1922, the club adopted white shirts bearing a deep red "V" around the neck as part of their home kits.
1925: Promotion to First Division
In 1925, Manchester United regained promotion to the First Division.
October 1927: Death of John Henry Davies
In October 1927, the death of John Henry Davies, a principal benefactor, led to financial difficulties for Manchester United.
1927: End of White Shirts with Red "V"
In 1927, white shirts bearing a deep red "V" around the neck remained part of their home kits until this year.
December 1931: James W. Gibson Invests in the Club
In December 1931, James W. Gibson invested in Manchester United, assuming control of the club.
December 1931: James W. Gibson saves club from bankruptcy
In December 1931, James W. Gibson saved Manchester United from bankruptcy with an investment of £2,000, assuming control of the club.
1934: Cherry and White Hooped Change Shirt Becomes Home Colours
For a period in 1934, the cherry and white hooped change shirt became the home colours.
1934: Lowest Position in Second Division
In 1934, Manchester United reached its all-time lowest position, finishing 20th in the Second Division.
1937: Relegation and Resignation of Scott Duncan
In 1937, another relegation for Manchester United led to the resignation of manager Scott Duncan.
1938: Finished 14th in First Division
In the 1938-39 season, the last year of football before the Second World War, Manchester United finished 14th in the First Division.
March 1939: Record Attendance at Old Trafford
On 25 March 1939, Old Trafford's record attendance was registered during an FA Cup semi-final between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Grimsby Town, drawing 76,962 spectators.
October 1945: Matt Busby Appointed Manager
In October 1945, Matt Busby was appointed as the manager of Manchester United, marking a significant era for the club.
1945: Matt Busby appointed as Manager
In 1945, Matt Busby was appointed as the manager of Manchester United, building a successful team known as the Busby Babes.
1947: Second-Place League Finish
In 1947, under Matt Busby, Manchester United finished second in the league.
1948: FA Cup Victory
In 1948, Manchester United won the FA Cup under Matt Busby's management.
1949: Second-Place League Finish
In 1949, under Matt Busby, Manchester United finished second in the league.
1952: First Division Title
In 1952, Manchester United won the First Division, securing their first league title in 41 years.
1956: First Division Title
In 1956, Manchester United won the First Division title.
March 1957: Erection of floodlights
In March 1957, four 180-foot (55 m) pylons were erected at a cost of £40,000, each housing 54 individual floodlights for the stadium.
1957: First English Team in European Cup
In 1957, Manchester United became the first English team to compete in the European Cup.
1957: Second Consecutive Title
In 1994, for the first time since 1957, Manchester United won a second consecutive league title.
February 1958: Munich Air Disaster
On February 6, 1958, the Munich air disaster occurred, resulting in the deaths of eight Manchester United players and several others.
1958: Jimmy Murphy Takes Over as Manager
In 1958, following the Munich air disaster, assistant manager Jimmy Murphy took over as manager of Manchester United.
1959: Black Socks Changed to White
From 1959 to 1965, the black socks were changed to white.
1963: FA Cup Victory
In 1963, Manchester United, under Matt Busby's management, won the FA Cup.
January 1964: Louis Edwards takes control of the club
In January 1964, Louis Edwards gained control of Manchester United with a 54 per cent shareholding after an investment of approximately £40,000.
1964: Last player transfer between clubs
As of 2024, no player has been transferred between Manchester United and Liverpool since 1964.
1965: White Socks Replaced with Red Socks
In 1965, white socks were replaced with red socks up until 1971.
1967: 40th Anniversary of European Cup Success
During the 2008–09 season, an all-blue kit was launched to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967–68 European Cup success.
1967: First League Title Since 1967
In 1993, Manchester United won their first league title since 1967.
1968: Manchester United win European Cup
In 1968, Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup, a significant achievement in their history.
1968: European Cup Victory
In 1968, Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup, defeating Benfica 4-1 in the final.
1969: Busby Resigns as Manager
In 1969, Matt Busby resigned as manager of Manchester United, and was replaced by Wilf McGuinness.
1969: Eighth-Place Finish
In the 1969-70 season, Manchester United finished in eighth place.
1970: Devil Incorporated into Club Crest
In 1970, the devil from the club's nickname "The Red Devils" was incorporated into the club crest.
January 1971: Alan Gibson's Shares Pass to Louis Edwards' Son
In January 1971, Lillian Gibson died, and her shares in Manchester United were passed to Alan Gibson, who then sold a percentage of his shares to Louis Edwards' son, Martin.
1971: Crest Included on Shirt
In 1971, the club crest was included on the chest of the shirt.
1971: Club Reverts to Black Socks
In 1971, the club reverted to black socks.
1971: Frank O'Farrell Appointed as Manager
In June 1971, Frank O'Farrell was appointed as manager of Manchester United.
1972: Tommy Docherty Appointed as Manager
In December 1972, Tommy Docherty replaced Frank O'Farrell as manager of Manchester United.
1975: Admiral Sportswear Deal
In 1975, Manchester United agreed a five-year deal with Admiral Sportswear as the club's kit manufacturer.
1975: Heraldic Badge Granted by College of Arms
In 1975, the red devil was granted as a heraldic badge by the College of Arms to the English Football League for use by Manchester United.
1976: FA Cup Final
In 1976, Manchester United reached the FA Cup final but were beaten by Southampton.
1977: Beginning of longest period without a trophy.
In 2022-23, Manchester United won the EFL Cup, ending their longest period without a trophy since a six-year span between 1977 and 1983.
1977: Dave Sexton Replaces Docherty
In the summer of 1977, Dave Sexton replaced Tommy Docherty as manager of Manchester United.
1978: Martin Edwards acquires shares
In 1978, Martin Edwards acquired a percentage of shares from Alan Gibson, further solidifying the Edwards family's involvement with Manchester United.
1979: FA Cup Final Loss
In 1979, Manchester United lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
1980: Adidas wins contract
In 1980, Adidas won the contract to be the club's kit manufacturer.
1980: Martin Edwards becomes chairman
In 1980, Martin Edwards became the chairman of Manchester United upon his father's death, marking a new era in the club's leadership.
1981: Sexton Dismissed
In 1981, Dave Sexton was dismissed as manager, despite the team's winning streak.
1982: Sharp Electronics becomes the shirt sponsor
At the beginning of the 1982–83 season, Sharp Electronics became the club's first shirt sponsor in an initial five-year deal worth £500,000.
1983: FA Cup Victory
In 1983, Manchester United won the FA Cup under Ron Atkinson's management.
1983: End of longest period without a trophy.
In 2022-23, Manchester United won the EFL Cup, ending their longest period without a trophy since a six-year span between 1977 and 1983.
1984: Robert Maxwell attempts to buy the club
In 1984, media tycoon Robert Maxwell attempted to buy Manchester United but failed to meet Edwards' asking price.
1986: Alex Ferguson appointed as Manager
In 1986, Alex Ferguson became the manager of Manchester United, beginning a long and highly successful tenure.
1987: Dismantling of floodlights
In 1987, the 180-foot (55 m) pylons were dismantled and replaced by a lighting system embedded in the roof of each stand.
1989: Lowest League Finish Since 1989-90 Season
At the end of the following season, the club finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest league finish since the 1989–90 season.
1989: Founding members of the North West Women's Regional Football League
In 1989, Manchester United Supporters Club Ladies became founding members of the North West Women's Regional Football League
1989: Michael Knighton joins the board of directors
In 1989, after an attempted sale to Michael Knighton for £20 million fell through, Knighton joined Manchester United's board of directors.
1990: FA Cup Victory
In 1990, Alex Ferguson's job was saved by a victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
1990: Manchester United Fail to Qualify for UEFA Europa League
In 1990, Manchester United had not qualified for a European competition.
June 1991: Manchester United Floated on Stock Market
In June 1991, Manchester United was floated on the stock market, raising £6.7 million.
1991: UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Title
In 1991, Manchester United claimed their first UEFA Cup Winners' Cup title.
1991: London Stock Exchange float
In 1991, Manchester United floated on the London Stock Exchange and raised significant capital, with which it further developed its commercial strategy.
1991: Floated on the London Stock Exchange
In 1991, Manchester United was floated on the London Stock Exchange.
1992: Green-and-Gold Halved Third Shirt
Between 1992 and 1994, Manchester United's third kit was a green-and-gold halved shirt.
1992: League Cup Win
In 1992, Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest to win the League Cup for the first time.
1992: Umbro sponsorship starts
In 1992, Umbro started a second spell as the club's kit manufacturer.
1993: All-Black Away Strip
Between 1993 and 1995, the Manchester United away strip was an all-black strip with blue and gold trimmings.
1993: Premier League Title
In 1993, Manchester United won their first league title since 1967, in the inaugural season of the Premier League.
1993: Completion of Stretford End cantilevered roof
In 1993, the Stretford End was the last stand to receive a cantilevered roof, which was completed in time for the 1993–94 season.
1993: Reduction of Old Trafford Capacity
In 1993, the Taylor Report's requirement for an all-seater stadium lowered Old Trafford's capacity to around 44,000.
1994: Blue-and-White Striped Third Shirt
During the 1994–95 and 1995–96 seasons and once in 1996–97, Manchester United's third kit was a blue-and-white striped shirt.
1995: Blue-and-White Striped Third Shirt
During the 1994–95 and 1995–96 seasons and once in 1996–97, Manchester United's third kit was a blue-and-white striped shirt.
1995: Second Double Win
In 1995, Manchester United achieved their second Double (winning the Premier League and FA Cup in the same season), becoming the first club to do so twice, and it became referred to as the "Double Double".
1995: Redevelopment of the North Stand
In 1995, the North Stand was redeveloped into three tiers, restoring capacity to approximately 55,000.
1995: All-Grey Away Kit Dropped
In 1995, the all-grey away kit was dropped after just five games due to players' visibility issues.
1995: First English Club to do the Double Twice
In 1995-96, Manchester United became the first English club to do the Double twice when they won both competitions again.
1995: Manchester United Fail to Qualify for UEFA Champions League
In 1995–96, Manchester United failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, after David Moyes was sacked.
1996: Blue-and-White Striped Third Shirt
During the 1994–95 and 1995–96 seasons and once in 1996–97, Manchester United's third kit was a blue-and-white striped shirt.
1996: Retained League Title
In 1996-97, Manchester United retained the league title once more with a game to spare.
1997: White Socks Preferred for European Games
Since 1997–98, white socks have been the preferred choice for European games.
1998: Addition of Second Tiers to East and West Stands
At the end of the 1998–99 season, second tiers were added to the East and West Stands, raising stadium capacity to around 67,000.
1998: All-Black Third Kit
During the Treble-winning 1998–99 season, Manchester United's third kit was all-black.
1998: Rupert Murdoch's takeover bid
In 1998, Manchester United received a takeover bid from Rupert Murdoch's British Sky Broadcasting Corporation, leading to the formation of Shareholders United Against Murdoch.
1998: Start of Treble Season
In the 1998-99 season, Manchester United began their historic run towards winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
April 1999: Takeover blocked by Monopolies and Mergers Commission
In April 1999, the Monopolies and Mergers Commission blocked the takeover of Manchester United by Rupert Murdoch's British Sky Broadcasting Corporation.
November 1999: Intercontinental Cup Victory
In November 1999, Manchester United won the Intercontinental Cup, defeating Palmeiras 1-0 in Tokyo.
1999: Navy Blue Away Shirt with Silver Pinstripes
During the 1999–2000 season, the Manchester United away strip was a navy blue shirt with silver horizontal pinstripes.
1999: Manchester United win the Treble
In 1999, Manchester United became the first English club to win the Treble, marking a historic achievement.
1999: The Treble and Ferguson's Knighthood
In 1999, Manchester United became the first team to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same season, and Alex Ferguson received a knighthood.
1999: Vodafone Agreed on Shirt Sponsorship Deal
Towards the end of the 1999–2000 season, Vodafone agreed a four-year, £30 million shirt sponsorship deal with Manchester United.
2000: Navy Blue Away Shirt with Silver Pinstripes
During the 1999–2000 season, the Manchester United away strip was a navy blue shirt with silver horizontal pinstripes.
2000: Manchester United Win Premier League
In the 1999–2000 season, Manchester United secured another Premier League title.
2000: Sharp Electronics shirt sponsorship ends
The shirt sponsorship relationship with Sharp Electronics, which started in 1982, ended at the end of the 1999-2000 season.
2001: Official partnership with Manchester United
In 2001, the Manchester United Supporters Club Ladies made an official partnership with Manchester United, becoming the club's official women's team.
2001: Reversible White and Gold Away Kit Released
In 2001, to celebrate 100 years as "Manchester United", a reversible white and gold away kit was released.
2001: Manchester United Win Premier League
In the 2000–01 season, Manchester United continued their dominance by winning the Premier League title for the third consecutive year.
2002: Nike sponsorship
Between 2002 and 2015, Manchester United had a key sponsorship relationship with sportswear company Nike, who managed the club's merchandising operation as part of a £303 million 13-year partnership.
2002: Alex Ferguson quote
In 2002, Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said "My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch".
2002: Marcos' World Cup win
In November 1999, the Red Devils counted on an unexpected goalkeeper fail by future 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Marcos to win the Intercontinental Cup
2002: Manchester United Finish Third
In the 2001–02 season, Manchester United finished third in the league standings.
2003: White Shirt with Black-and-Red Pinstripes
Between 2003–04 and 2005–06, Manchester United's third kit was a white shirt with black-and-red horizontal pinstripes.
2003: Manchester United Regain Premier League Title
In 2002–03, Manchester United regained the Premier League title.
May 2005: Malcolm Glazer acquires controlling interest
In May 2005, Malcolm Glazer acquired a controlling interest in Manchester United through his investment vehicle Red Football Ltd, valuing the club at approximately £800 million.
July 2005: Addition of seats in the North-West and North-East Quadrants
In July 2005, second tiers in the north-west and north-east quadrants commenced construction to add 8,000 more seats.
2005: Formation of F.C. United of Manchester
After the Glazer family's takeover in 2005, a group of fans formed a splinter club, F.C. United of Manchester.
2005: White Shirt with Black-and-Red Pinstripes
Between 2003–04 and 2005–06, Manchester United's third kit was a white shirt with black-and-red horizontal pinstripes.
2005: Club Taken Private by Malcolm Glazer
In 2005, Manchester United was taken private after being purchased by Malcolm Glazer.
2005: Club disbanded
In 2005, following Malcolm Glazer's takeover, the Manchester United women's football club was disbanded as it was seen to be "unprofitable".
2005: Commercial income
In 2005–06, Manchester United's commercial arm generated £51 million.
2005: Manchester United Fail to Qualify for UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase
In the 2005–06 season, Manchester United failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
March 2006: Partial Use of New Seating & Premier League Record
On March 26, 2006, part of the new seating was used for the first time, resulting in an attendance of 69,070, which became a new Premier League record.
May 2006: Completion of New Seating in the North-West and North-East Quadrants
Between July 2005 and May 2006, 8,000 more seats were added via second tiers in the north-west and north-east quadrants.
July 2006: Debt Refinancing Package Announced
In July 2006, Manchester United announced a £660 million debt refinancing package, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in annual interest payments.
September 2006: AIG sponsorship deal becomes most valuable in the world
In September 2006, the four-year £56.5 million deal with American insurance corporation AIG became the most valuable in the world.
2006: Third Kit Becomes Previous Season's Away Kit
From 2006–07 to 2013–14, the third kit was the previous season's away kit, updated with the new club sponsor in 2006–07 and 2010–11.
2006: Criticism over lack of development since 2006.
In 2021, United co-chairman Joel Glazer said that "early-stage planning work" for the redevelopment of Old Trafford was underway. This followed "increasing criticism" over the lack of development of the ground since 2006.
2006: Manchester United Win Football League Cup
In the 2005–06 season, Manchester United secured a second-place league finish and victory over Wigan Athletic in the 2006 Football League Cup final.
March 2007: Peak Attendance Record
On March 31, 2007, 76,098 spectators saw Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers 4–1, reaching its peak attendance with just 114 seats unoccupied.
June 2007: Club debts reach high
In June 2007, Manchester United's debts reached a high of £777 million.
2007: Manchester United Regain Premier League Title
In the 2006–07 season, Manchester United regained the Premier League title.
December 2008: Manchester United win FIFA Club World Cup
In December 2008, Manchester United became the first British team to win the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating LDU Quito 1-0 in the final.
2008: All-Blue Kit Launched to Mark Anniversary
During the 2008–09 season, an all-blue kit was launched to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967–68 European Cup success.
2008: FIFA Club World Cup Win
In 2008, Manchester United won the FIFA Club World Cup, making them one of only three British clubs to achieve this feat.
2009: Seating Reorganisation
In 2009, a reorganisation of the seating at Old Trafford resulted in a reduction of capacity by 255 to 75,957.
2009: Manchester United Finish as Runners-up
In the 2009–10 season, Manchester United finished as runners-up to Chelsea.
January 2010: Manchester United Refinances Through Bond Issue
In January 2010, with debts of £716.5 million, Manchester United further refinanced through a bond issue worth £504 million.
2010: Aon becomes principal sponsor
At the beginning of the 2010–11 season, American reinsurance company Aon became the club's principal sponsor in a four-year deal reputed to be worth approximately £80 million, making it the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal in football history.
2010: Third Kit Becomes Previous Season's Away Kit Updated with Sponsor
From 2006–07 to 2013–14, the third kit was the previous season's away kit, updated with the new club sponsor in 2006–07 and 2010–11.
2010: Manchester United Defeat Aston Villa to Retain League Cup
In 2010, Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2–1 at Wembley to retain the League Cup, its first successful defense of a knockout cup competition.
2010: Manchester United Finish as Runners-up
In the 2009–10 season, Manchester United finished as runners-up to Chelsea.
May 2011: Manchester United Secure 19th League Title
On 14 May 2011, Manchester United achieved a record 19th league title, securing the championship with a 1–1 away draw against Blackburn Rovers.
August 2011: DHL becomes first training kit sponsor
In August 2011, Manchester United agreed a four-year deal with DHL reported to be worth £40 million, making them the first training kit sponsor in English football.
August 2011: Glazers approach Credit Suisse
In August 2011, the Glazers were believed to have approached Credit Suisse in preparation for a $1 billion initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore stock exchange.
2011: Valuation of Club's Trademarks
In 2011, Brand Finance valued Manchester United's trademarks and intellectual property at £412 million.
2011: Royal Blue Away Kit
The 2011–12 Manchester United away kit had a royal blue body and sleeves with hoops made of small midnight navy blue and black stripes, with black shorts and blue socks.
July 2012: Forbes Ranks Manchester United Brand First
In July 2012, Forbes magazine ranked the Manchester United brand first among sports teams, valuing it at $2.23 billion.
July 2012: IPO listed on the New York Stock Exchange
In July 2012, Manchester United announced plans to list its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.
July 2012: Deal with General Motors
On July 30, 2012, Manchester United signed a seven-year deal with American automotive corporation General Motors, which replaced Aon as the shirt sponsor from the 2014–15 season.
October 2012: Club buys back training kit contract from DHL
In October 2012, Manchester United bought back the training kit contract from DHL after over a year, although they remained the club's official logistics partner.
2012: Shares Listed on the New York Stock Exchange
From 2012, some shares of Manchester United were listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
2012: Initial Share Offering to the Public
In 2012, Manchester United offered shares to the public with lesser voting rights than those retained by the Glazers.
2012: The Guardian Estimates Total Debt Interest Paid
In 2012, The Guardian estimated that Manchester United had paid over £500 million in debt interest and fees on behalf of the Glazers.
2012: Fighting for trophies with Man City
Manchester United and Manchester City fought for trophies, such as the league title in 2012.
2012: Manchester United Begin Journey to 20th League Title
The 2012-13 season saw the beginning of Manchester United's journey to their 20th league title, secured in April 2013.
January 2013: Manchester United Valued at $3 Billion
In January 2013, Manchester United became the first sports team in the world to be valued at $3 billion.
April 2013: Aon purchased training kit sponsorship
In April 2013, the contract for the training kit sponsorship was sold to Aon for a deal worth £180 million over eight years, which also included purchasing the naming rights for the Trafford Training Centre.
April 2013: Manchester United Secure 20th League Title
On 22 April 2013, Manchester United secured their 20th league title, achieving the championship with a 3–0 home win against Aston Villa.
May 2013: Alex Ferguson Announces Retirement
On 8 May 2013, Alex Ferguson announced that he would retire as manager at the end of the football season, remaining at the club as a director and club ambassador.
2013: Third Kit Becomes Previous Season's Away Kit
From 2006–07 to 2013–14, the third kit was the previous season's away kit, updated with the new club sponsor in 2006–07 and 2010–11.
2013: Alex Ferguson's Retirement
In 2013, Alex Ferguson retired as Manchester United's manager, concluding his 26 year long tenure.
2013: Manchester United League Placing
In 2018, United finished second in the league, their highest league placing since 2013.
2013: Fighting for trophies with Man City
Manchester United and Manchester City fought for trophies, such as the league title in 2013.
April 2014: David Moyes Sacked, Ryan Giggs Appointed Interim Player-Manager
On 22 April 2014, Ryan Giggs took over as interim player-manager after David Moyes was sacked following a poor season.
May 2014: Louis van Gaal Appointed as Manager
On 19 May 2014, it was confirmed that Louis van Gaal would replace Moyes as Manchester United manager on a three-year deal, with Giggs as his assistant. Malcolm Glazer died on 28 May 2014.
2014: Study reveals loudest fans in Premier League
A 2014 study showed that Manchester United had the loudest fans in the Premier League.
2014: General Motors shirt deal
In the 2014–15 season, a seven-year deal with American automotive corporation General Motors began, which replaced Aon as the shirt sponsor.
2014: Third Kit Traditionally All-Blue
In the 2014–15 season, the Manchester United third kit was traditionally all-blue.
2015: Nike sponsorship
Between 2002 and 2015, Manchester United had a key sponsorship relationship with sportswear company Nike, who managed the club's merchandising operation as part of a £303 million 13-year partnership.
2015: End of Nike deal
In 2015, Nike's record-breaking £302.9 million deal with the club ended.
2015: Adidas manufacturers Manchester United's Kit
Since the start of the 2015–16 season, Adidas has manufactured Manchester United's kit as part of a world-record 10-year deal worth a minimum of £750 million.
May 2016: Jose Mourinho Appointed Manager
On 27 May 2016, José Mourinho was appointed as the manager of Manchester United.
2016: Highest-Earning Football Club
In 2016-17, Manchester United was the highest-earning football club in the world, with an annual revenue of €676.3 million.
2016: UEFA Europa League Win
In 2016-17, Manchester United won the UEFA Europa League under José Mourinho.
2016: 2016-2017 UEFA Europa League
In the 2016-2017 season, Manchester United won the UEFA Europa League.
2016: Experimentation with Away Kit Colors and Designs
Since 2016, the Manchester United team has experimented with various colors and designs, moving away from the traditional white for the away kit.
January 2017: Wayne Rooney Becomes Club's All-Time Top Scorer
In January 2017, Wayne Rooney scored his 250th goal for United, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton as the club's all-time top scorer.
February 2017: Bonds reach maturity
The bonds worth £504 million issued in January 2010 by Manchester United matured on 1 February 2017.
June 2017: Manchester United Returns to Top of Forbes List
In June 2017, Manchester United returned to the top of the Forbes list with a valuation of $3.689 billion.
2017: UEFA Europa League Win
In 2017, Manchester United won the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League, beating Ajax in the final and becoming the fifth club to win the "European Treble".
December 2018: José Mourinho Sacked
On 18 December 2018, José Mourinho was sacked as manager after 144 games in charge.
2018: Kohler becomes first sleeve sponsor
Ahead of the 2018–19 season, plumbing products manufacturer Kohler became the club's first sleeve sponsor.
2018: Black Shorts and Red Socks Become Primary Choice
For 2018–19, black shorts and red socks became the primary choice for the home kit.
2018: New women's football team formed
In 2018, Manchester United formed a new women's football team, which entered the second division of women's football in England for their debut season.
March 2019: Ole Gunnar Solskjær Appointed Permanent Manager
On 28 March 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjær was appointed permanent manager on a three-year deal.
2019: Glazers Retain Control Over the Club
As of 2019, the Glazers retain ultimate control over Manchester United, holding over 70% of shares and higher voting power.
2019: Third-Most-Valuable Football Club
In 2019, Manchester United was ranked as the world's third-most-valuable football club, valued at £3.15 billion ($3.81 billion).
2019: Total Sum Paid for Debt Fees Rises to £1 Billion
In 2019, reports indicated that the total sum paid by Manchester United for debt interest and fees had risen to £1 billion, with a net debt of nearly £400 million.
February 2021: Manchester United Equal Record for Biggest Win in Premier League History
On 2 February 2021, Manchester United equalled their own record for the biggest win in Premier League history with a 9–0 win over Southampton.
April 2021: Manchester United Announces Joining European Super League
On 18 April 2021, Manchester United announced that they were joining 11 other European clubs as founding members of the European Super League, but withdrew two days later due to backlash.
May 2021: Protests Lead to Postponement of Premier League Game
On 2 May 2021, protests against Woodward and the Glazer family led to a pitch invasion ahead of a league match against Liverpool, which saw the first postponement of a Premier League game due to supporter protests in the competition's history.
November 2021: Solskjær Leaves Role as Manager
On 20 November 2021, Solskjær left his role as manager.
2021: Sponsorship deal with TeamViewer
Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Manchester United signed a five-year, £235 million sponsorship deal with TeamViewer.
2021: Erik ten Hag Appointed as Manager
Erik ten Hag was appointed as the manager from the end of the 2021–22 season.
2021: Early-Stage Planning for Redevelopment
In 2021, United co-chairman Joel Glazer announced that "early-stage planning work" for the redevelopment of Old Trafford was underway.
April 2022: Erik ten Hag Appointed as Manager
On 21 April 2022, Erik ten Hag was appointed as the manager from the end of the 2021–22 season.
March 2023: Thomas Zilliacus expresses interest
In March 2023, Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus made his interest in Manchester United public.
March 2023: Manchester United Suffers Joint-Heaviest Defeat
On 5 March 2023, Manchester United suffered their joint-heaviest defeat, losing 7–0 to rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
July 2023: Facebook followers
As of July 2023, the club has over 82 million Facebook followers.
December 2023: Ratcliffe purchases 25% of Manchester United
On 24 December 2023, it was announced that Ratcliffe had purchased 25 per cent of Manchester United, and that his Ineos Sport company was taking control of football operations.
2023: TeamViewer replaced by Snapdragon
At the end of the 2023–24 season, TeamViewer were replaced by Snapdragon, who agreed a deal worth more than £60 million a year to take over as the club's main sponsor.
2023: Red Devil Motif Used as Sole Badge on Third Kit
In 2023, the Red Devil motif alone was used as the sole badge on the Manchester United third kit.
2023: Consecutive FA Cup finals
Manchester United and Manchester City played in two consecutive FA Cup finals, one of which was in 2023.
August 2024: Snapdragon deal extended
In August 2024, Snapdragon's parent company Qualcomm triggered an option to extend the deal by two years, taking it through to 2029.
October 2024: Erik ten Hag Sacked by Manchester United
On 28 October 2024, Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag after the club managed just three wins in the opening nine games of the Premier League season.
November 2024: Fans' Preference for New Stadium Build
In November 2024, it was revealed that the majority of fans surveyed are in favor of a new stadium build rather than redevelopment of the existing Old Trafford.
November 2024: Manchester United Appoint Ruben Amorim
On 1 November 2024, Manchester United announced that they would be appointing Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as their new head coach from 11 November 2024.
December 2024: Ratcliffe's shareholdings increased
In December 2024, Ratcliffe's shareholdings in Manchester United increased to 28.94%, although the Glazers remain as majority shareholders.
2024: Consecutive FA Cup finals
Manchester United and Manchester City played in two consecutive FA Cup finals, one of which was in 2024.
March 2025: Retention of Foster and Partners for New Stadium Construction
On March 11, 2025, the club announced that it had retained Foster and Partners to construct a new, 100,000-capacity stadium adjacent to Old Trafford.
June 2025: End of Erik ten Hag's contract.
Erik ten Hag's contract signing of 21 April 2022 states that the contract continues until June 2025 with the option of extending for a further year.
2029: Snapdragon deal to be taken through
In August 2024, Snapdragon's parent company Qualcomm triggered an option to extend the deal by two years, taking it through to 2029.
2035: New Stadium Under Consideration for FIFA Women's World Cup Host Venue
In March 2025, the club announced that the new stadium being built would be under consideration as a host venue for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup.
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