Image from The Mirror

Manchester United is the greatest club in the world. Yes, some people might want to throw some arguments here and there about Real Madrid, Barcelona or Liverpool, but this is a fact. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a football fan or not, Manchester United is a club you surely have heard of. Manchester United is also the most celebrated football club in the game’s history. It is also the most successful club in the Premier League history. One thing that has kept United unparalleled at the top is the love that the fans have for the club. The fans have stood together supporting the club making them one of the most special groups of supporters in the game’s history. You remember the traumatising moments post-Fergie era, the fans stuck to it, unlike other fans who kept changing teams. As a result, I will not include the fans on the list of what makes the club great because fans are a constant.

Here are some unique things about United that makes it not just great but the best:

Club History

You might say we must not dwell on the past, but history is there to teach us and help us predict the future.

Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, the club’s name was later changed to what today is known as Manchester United. On 24 April 1902, Manchester United entered the footballing world and won their first league title in 1908. Nicknamed “the Red Devils”, United are a club that is over 100 years old with Old Trafford as its home. The Red Devils also  endured some horrifying incidents, for example, the 1958 “The Munich Air Disaster” – the crash destroyed the nucleus of what promised to be one of the greatest generation of players in English football history. Despite the tragedy, under Sir Matt Busby, United came back even stronger to become the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968. In the 90s and 00s, under Sir Alex Ferguson, United achieved the glory that transformed the club into the biggest name in world football. In the 1998–99 season, Manchester United entered the history books again by becoming the first ever English team to win the Treble. Read that again.

Consistency

When it comes to trophies, we can proudly say, Manchester United is the European Capital of trophies. As a matter of fact, even David Moyes won at trophy during his short tenure at the club. A team does not become consistent in one week, a month or even a season. Achieving stability, especially in the top tier, demands the utmost level of endurance. The actual character of a team is portrayed under the strenuous challenges that it faces; be it the jeers of the away fans or the cheers from the home ones, be it ending up on the losing side or coming out as winners and be it conceding in the opening minutes of the game or scoring in the dying moments. Over the years one club that has made winning a routine. That club is Manchester United.

Strong Business Empire

Manchester United are not only successful in the pitch and trophy cabinet. The club has also become a big dog in the corporate world. That can he evidenced by the endorsement deals Ed Woodward is signing on behalf of the club every now and then. The club have carefully put in strategies, marketing the club brand and players. United have established itself as a major brand in football. Strong merchandising ties with Adidas and other retail stores worldwide have led the Red Devils to become a global name.

World Class Players

Some people might say, “Well Victor, you are exaggerating.” For crying out loud, we have the best goalkeeper in the World! We have World Cup winners and World Cup silver and bronze medalists in our squad. Look at that!

“Youth, Courage, Greatness” is the motto the club have stood by for over a century now. The top class players produced by Red Devils have helped them achieve the pinnacle of greatness. The aura of the club is such that any player who wears the Devils crest strives to be the best and one of the best examples to this is United’s Class of ’92 that produced legends who inspired a generation. The list of prominent names that the club has produced is unparalleled with the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and many more.

The Academy

Still talking “Youth, Courage, Greatness”, Manchester United have the best academy in the world. Imagine disagreeing! 

Manchester United’s heritage holds a much higher ground than all other European Heavyweights because of their proud tradition of bringing through home-grown players. A record that pays testament to a club that has never been afraid of placing its faith in youth, United have had a graduate from their youth academy in every single match day squad since October 30 1937. Manchester United can be referred to as a fairytale football club with both riches and fans. It is a household name in so many countries making it not just one of the best but the greatest club in the world. I will receive arguments in form of independent blog posts, stating clearly why you think I am not right.