Manchester United - A brief history

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Manchester United - A Brief History of The Worlds' Greatest Team

Today, I would like to talk to you about one of my main passions in life - Manchester United. For those of you that have no comprehension of what these two words mean I will explain that they are probably the worlds' biggest football team (or soccer club as the Americans like to term it).

Manchester United (or Man Utd for short) are England's biggest and most successful football club with a rich history that spans over one hundred and twenty years. Within that time span the club has suffered more than it's share of heartache and joy. Early on the club almost went into bankruptcy with bailiffs closing the team stadium but they were saved by a local businessman. His investment proved to be worthwhile as in a few years the club would win the league title for the first time.

The clubs darkest day however, came on 6th February 1958. After having played a European match against Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia the teams aircraft needed to land in Munich for a refuel. Upon refuelling the pilots attempted a take-off on two attempts unsuccessfully. The pilots were concerned about uneven tones in the engines but rather than staying overnight and attempting again in better conditions and with a full engine check-up they decided to try another take-off.

At 3.04pm the third take-off resulted in the plane being unable to gain height and crashing into the airport barriers and into a local house where a truck parked outside exploded. The emergency services were too late to the scene and the result was 21 people were killed, including seven of the teams players. A week later another player (Duncan Edwards who was the jewel in the crown for the club) died in hospital. The nation and people worldwide grieved as the club continued their season with a makeshift team despite the tragedy. For many the teams attitude to carry on typified their "never say die" attitude and endeared them to a legion of new fans and has made them into the largest team in the world in terms of fanbase, global reach and profitablility.

The club marked the 50th year anniversary of the tragedy in 2008 by winning the league title and UEFA Champions League making it a fitting tribute. Despite the tragedy the club has gone onto become one of the most successful clubs in England and is going from strength to strength.

To read more on Manchester Uniteds rich history and view Man Utd wallpaper please take the time to visit www.utdkidswife.com

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Who is your all-time favourite Manchester United player?

Eric Cantona

1 point

George Best

1 point

Ryan Giggs

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Peter Schmeichel

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Paul Scholes

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David Beckham

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Sir Bobby Charlton

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Cristiano Ronaldo

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Roy Keane

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Wayne Rooney

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Duncan Edwards

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Denis Law

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Bryan Robson

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Martin Buchan

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Ruud van Nistelrooy

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Afzal

Hi fellow Squidoos!

As you can see from my lens I'm a big fan of Manchester United which is one of the main passions in my life.

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