Two Side Of Color In Manchester Football History

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The story begins in the late 19th century, long before the clubs were known as Manchester United and Manchester City. Manchester United started life as Newton Heath LYR (Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway) in 1878, formed by railway workers. Their early matches were modest affairs against other railway teams, and their original colors were green and gold—now ironically used by some United fans as a protest against the club’s ownership.

Two years later, in 1880, a church team called St. Mark’s was founded in West Gorton, a district in Manchester. This team aimed to provide local young men with a positive outlet amid widespread unemployment and social problems like alcoholism and street violence. St. Mark’s would later become Ardwick and eventually Manchester City.

Early Matches and Mutual Respect

The first recorded match between Newton Heath and St. Mark’s took place on 12 November 1881, with Newton Heath winning 3-0. Throughout the 1880s and early 1890s, the two clubs dominated local competitions like the Manchester Senior Cup, often trading victories and titles. Despite their competitive spirit, early encounters were marked more by camaraderie and mutual respect than fierce rivalry.

One notable moment of solidarity came in 1889 when the clubs played a match to raise funds for victims of the Hyde coal mine disaster, demonstrating a shared community spirit that transcended football.

Early 20th Century: The Seeds of Rivalry and Shared Fortunes

Manchester City’s first major success came in 1904 when they won the FA Cup, a significant achievement that put them on the national stage. However, this success was soon overshadowed by scandal. The club was found guilty of breaking the Football Association’s wage cap rules, leading to fines, suspensions, and the forced sale of many key players.

Among those sold was Billy Meredith, a legendary winger who moved to Manchester United along with several other players. This transfer helped United win their first league title in 1908 and the FA Cup the following year, laying the foundation for their future dominance.

Interestingly, these player movements were seen at the time as a sign of Mancunian solidarity rather than betrayal. The rivalry was still in its infancy, and the clubs often supported each other through difficult times, such as when City shared their stadium, Maine Road, with United after Old Trafford was bombed during World War II.

The Interwar Years and Post-War Era: Diverging Fortunes

After World War II, Manchester United entered a golden era under the management of Matt Busby. Taking over in 1945, Busby transformed United into a powerhouse, winning five league titles, two FA Cups, and becoming the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.

Busby’s vision and leadership, combined with a talented squad, made United a symbol of resilience and ambition, especially after the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight players and devastated the club.

During this period, Manchester City experienced mixed fortunes. They reached FA Cup finals in the 1950s, winning in 1956, but often struggled in the league. However, the late 1960s brought a resurgence, with City winning the league title in 1968 in a dramatic final-day victory that edged out United.

The 1960s and 1970s: The Rivalry Intensifies

Manchester City’s 1968 league triumph was overseen by manager Joe Mercer and his assistant Malcolm Allison. Their partnership brought tactical innovation and flair, with players like Francis Lee, Mike Summerbee, and Colin Bell becoming club legends.

This period marked a shift in the rivalry’s intensity, as City’s success challenged United’s dominance. The matches became more fiercely contested, both on and off the pitch, with fans deeply invested in the outcomes.

The 1970s saw some of the most memorable and controversial moments in the derby’s history:

• In 1970, George Best’s tackle broke City’s Glyn Pardoe’s leg, nearly ending his career.
• Francis Lee’s theatrical dive mocking Best’s reputation for simulation became a fan favorite.
• A 1973-74 match saw both Mike Doyle (City) and Lou Macari (United) sent off but refusing to leave the pitch, forcing the referee to send both teams to the dressing rooms temporarily.
• Denis Law’s infamous backheel goal for City against his former club United in 1974, a moment etched in derby folklore, symbolized the bitter rivalry. Although United were relegated that season, the goal itself was not the sole cause.

The 1980s and 1990s: Shifting Fortunes and Growing Divide

The appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986 marked the beginning of a new era for Manchester United. After initial struggles, Ferguson built a team that dominated English football throughout the 1990s and 2000s, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

Manchester City’s fortunes fluctuated dramatically during this time, with relegations and promotions marking a turbulent period. Despite this, the rivalry remained alive, with derby matches continuing to draw intense interest.

The 21st Century: The Modern Rivalry and Global Spotlight

The acquisition of Manchester City by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008 transformed the club into a global powerhouse. Massive investment in players, facilities, and management turned City into one of the world’s richest and most successful clubs.

With City’s rise, the rivalry with United intensified on a new level. The two clubs frequently competed for Premier League titles, with City often emerging victorious in recent years, challenging United’s historical supremacy.

The battle between Manchester City and Manchester United is more than just a football rivalry; it is a reflection of the city’s social history, economic shifts, and cultural identity. From Victorian church teams to global football giants, their intertwined stories have created one of the most compelling rivalries in sport.

As the clubs continue to compete at the highest levels, the rivalry promises to evolve, fueled by history, passion, and the unyielding desire to be the best in Manchester and the world.