Manchester United in action in 1902 as BFI National Archive release first ever recorded footage of the Red Devils

Footage shows club in action before they had won their first English title

Tom Sheen
Thursday 09 July 2015 10:48 EDT
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(BFI National Film Archive)

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In 2015, Manchester United are arguably the most famous football club in the world.

The third most valuable club in the world, worth £2billion, they have won more titles than any other English club.

But back in 1902, Manchester United had only just been born, changing their name from Newton Heath, which they had been called since 1878.

They were yet to win a League title - that would not come until 1908 - and at the time they were still playing in the second division; their top scorer was Scotsman Jack Peddie, who stayed just one season and scored 11 goals.

But the BFI National Archive have dug out a gem, the earliest ever footage recorded of the club.

The film shows James West's team in action away at near neighbours Burnley on 6 December 1902 in a game that United went on to win 2-0.

Quite a difference...

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