Diehard Manchester United Fans Will Fail This Test. Can You Pass It?
- by Cynthia Levy
- – on
- in Sports
For all you Manchester guppies out there, a little bit of throwback: basically, Manchester Utd. is a professional football club that traces back to the late 1800’s and competes in the Premier League, which is the “professional league for men’s association football clubs.” Think NBA but for professional football, I guess?
Besides being one of the older clubs and one of the founding members of the Premier League (amazing, I know!), they are also hella good. They have won numerous championships, titles, awards, and what have you, making their mark not only in the halls of fame, but also in the hearts and minds of many Brits out there. These guys really give us something to root for when the season rolls around! So are you one of these lads and ladies captivated by Man. Utd? Can you really call yourself a fan? Take this quiz to find out!
When was Manchester United founded?
Oh, man. The Manchester United Football Club goes way back. In fact, it is so old that it was actually founded in the 1800’s. Who would’ve guessed?! Manchester Utd. are also actually one of the founders of the Premier League, along with the other “big five” clubs such as Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. They also had a different name when they were founded, before they moved to Manchester and their current stadium. Think you can remember what year they were founded?
Who is the club’s current manager?
No football team would be successful on their own. Besides a captain for their club, they also need to have a manager- one who manages the training, how operations go, and how the club’s image is handled. He really goes into the nitty gritty of the football operations, and oversees how the club runs, which can result in amazing successes or disasters during the season! But Man Utd. has been fairly blessed with legendary managers like Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson. Their current manager has a lot to live up to!
What was Manchester United’s original name?
Of course, by now you know that Manchester United FC was not, once upon a time, called Manchester United. They were originally formed under a different name, by the Carriage and Wagon department of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Yes, that’s right, they played against other departments and railway companies! After a while though they incurred some debt, so here come swooping in some businessmen to save the day - and the club! Thus, the Manchester United we now know and love was born, sometime in April 1902, with new managers and a new president.
What is the name of their stadium?
Another thing for fans to take note of: the team’s stadium! Just like with American football teams or NHL teams, these guys in the Premier League need a good old stadium in which to play matches and practice. The stadium could be just as iconic as the players themselves, representing the home of the players, the club in general, and the fans. Their stadium was nicknamed “Theater of Dreams” by Bobby Charlton and is the biggest one in the United Kingdom.
Who is the current club captain?
If we have the presidents, the chairmen, and the managers who handle the big stuff, and the external stuff too, we also have the club captains who manage the internal stuff. They handle training systems and encourage or motivate the players. Manchester United has seen a lot of captains in the many years since their inception. Their longest-serving captain served for twelve years (who also co-captained with another player for a couple of those years). Who is their current team captain?
How many League titles do Manchester United hold?
The total number of League titles they hold is a testament to their dedication, their skills, and their establishment as a “premier” league. Despite many losses and disastrous dry spells, they always bounce back in mighty fashion, and now hold the top spot for the most League titles won! Of course they won the title for the first season in the Premier League (in 1992), and of course they have had Doubles and Trebles too. Man Utd. really is a force to be reckoned with!
What is Manchester United’s nickname?
Any widely successful sports team definitely needs to have some nickname to go by, something for the fans to cheer and cheekily use to confirm that indeed they are true Man Utd. fans. If you look closely at their crest, that was inspired by their nickname (and yes, their crest of course changed designs through the years too). In the 1960’s, this symbol was apparently included on a lot of scarves and club programs, and then later on in the crest and the shirts too.
What are Manchester United’s current home colors?
Another thing a football team is strongly remembered by is their team colors. These are what mark the team in the minds of the audience, what evokes feelings like sportsmanship and loyalty and pride at their favourite football club. And Man Utd. is a fan favorite indeed. They have different variations of colors when playing: one set for their home games, another for their away games, and they even have a third set! They have alternate kits so they won’t get mixed up when playing against teams with similar colors.
How many FA Cups do Manchester United hold?
The FA Cup is the knockout tournament for the men’s domestic English football. A knockout tournament is, essentially, single elimination in format. It is also the oldest association football competition in the world; the first game was played in the 1871-72 season! Apparently, you have to be at least a Level 10 to be eligible to play this Cup (the Premier League, all 92 teams of which, are Level 1 for example).
In which season did Manchester United win “The Treble” (Premier League, FA, UEFA)?
Manchester United is popular and legendary for a reason. They were the first English team to win the treble of “the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.” They were also firsts for other achievements. For example, they became the first English team to compete in the European Cup - and subsequently the first English team to win it as well! They also had the hottest feats of the season (and possibly their career) during this particular season where they won The Treble!
Who is Manchester United’s all-time top scorer?
There is someone who holds the record for most appearances, or the first to make a hat-trick, or who holds the most League titles; another record of note is the top scorer. That is, who holds the record for the most goals made! The record holder right now has 250 goals, surpassing the previous record of 249! Though when it comes to appearances, the previous record-holder had more than the current top scorer does. This 250 goals record holder has moved back to his old team. What a way to end his Manchester United career!
Which among these is not one of Manchester United’s First-team squad Goalkeepers?
Think you know everything there is to know about our current players? Can you tell them by name, and stats, and position, and not just their face or the way they kick a ball? Then this question will surely be a welcome challenge for you! They have about forty players right now, with three goalkeepers - so you have to be sharp! One of these is not like the rest; in fact, one of these names belongs to one of Manchester United’s current Midfielders.
Which of these teams do Manchester United not have a rivalry with?
One more exciting thing about watching the games is the rivalry! It is just so exhilarating to root for a team, or equally to show indifference, or disdain, or strong feelings of even hatred for another team - all in good fun of course! We wouldn’t want a real fight to break out (though certainly this has already happened many times). Moreover, it really just hypes up the whole game. Man Utd. has had a lot of rivalries over the years, stemming from events as far back as the Industrial Revolution and the War of the Roses!
Which manager succeeded Alex Ferguson?
This manager had some very big shoes to fill! Besides being one of the longest-running managers, Alex Ferguson also won the club many awards - 28 trophies, to be exact! This includes Premier League titles, FA Cups, and UEFA Champion League titles. Ferguson was so awesome he was knighted for his services to football! But this subsequent manager, comparatively, only lasted for ten months, after what was dubbed a “calamitous” reign, although he was the “first United manager in history to win a trophy outright in his first season in charge.”
Who was Manchester United’s first kit manufacturer?
You may know who their current kit manufacturer is, but can you remember which brand was their first? Their first kit manufacturer lasted quite a while, as they were the manufacturers for thirty years, until a five-year deal was signed with another sportswear brand. Then more brands followed, and their first kit makers returned for contracts again in the 90’s. This brand is based in Greater Manchester and designs and markets a lot of football-related clothing and equipment. What’s the name of this brand?
Which of these players is not a Defender in Manchester United’s current First-team squad?
Okay, so maybe you have got knowledge of the team’s past players, like Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham, both of whom are now famous celebrities. Or maybe you’ve got the Midfielder roster down to a T. But can you remember all of their current First-team squad Defenders? Can you point out which one does not belong? The team’s current lineup has around ten Defenders, not counting the ones out on loan. Some of which you may already know, like Luke Shaw. But can you remember the rest? Pick the odd one out!
Which of these is not one of Manchester United’s current Midfielders?
Ah yes, now to turn our attention to the Midfielders! Manchester United also has ten Midfielders (again, not including the names out on loan), matching the Defenders. Basically, as the name implies, the Midfielders are positioned in the middle of the playing field, between the defenders and the forwards. Some may defend, “breaking up attacks,” while some also attack and are tasked with creating goals. From your seat in the stadium (or on the couch), can you tell which of these names does not belong to a Midfielder?
How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score?
Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend! He is a household name, a model, and a revered football player. He is considered by some to be the “best player of all time,” as proclaimed by Valencia manager Nuno. There’s a piece on him by Richard Fitzpatrick of Bleacher Report explaining why “he should be talked about as the GOAT.” He now plays for Real Madrid but he did once grace the team of Man Utd. Exactly how many goals did he score while playing for our favorite Manchester team?
Who was the last team to defeat Manchester United in the 1998-99 season?
With all the stories of victories, there must also be stories of defeat. And though these guys ended the 1990’s with a bang (three bangs, in fact, after they won The Treble, and the Double), they were still defeated a few times in their 1998-99 season. Their last defeat of this season came in December, in a heated game that they lost 3-2. This is also the game where they were without their manager, Ferguson (maybe it soddened their spirits?). But they bounced back when they scored 3-0 on Boxing Day.
What number did Cristiano Ronaldo wear?
Cristiano Ronaldo, popular football player of Manchester United and the world! Now playing for Real Madrid, he previously played for Man Utd. from 2003-2009, wearing only one number on his kit, the same number he uses now for Real Madrid (though there was a brief time he donned a different number). Named the best Portuguese player of all time by the Portuguese Football Federation in 2015, he was also named the “world’s most famous athlete” by ESPN in 2016-17, and Forbes’ “world’s highest-paid athlete” for that same year. That number holds a lot of weight!
Which of these is not part of the current First-team squad Forwards?
We have covered the Midfielders, the Defenders, and the Goalkeepers. Now let’s talk Forwards! As the name again implies (the terms in football are terribly straightforward) the Forwards are the, well, forward part of the team. They are the ones who play closest to the opposing team’s goal. Because of their position and “limited defensive responsibilities” these are the guys who usually score the most goals for their team. Can you remember clearly which of these guys is not a Forward?
What colors did they play in during the 1894-96 era?
Did you know that Manchester United’s current bold colors of red and white were not the original colors or the starting colors of the team? When they still played under a different name, when they were owned by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, they played under two other colors during the years 1894-96. They played in other colors before that too, around 1879. The colors were changed after the team changed names, and management in 1902. Do you know what other colors besides red these guys used to play in?
Which team did Alex Ferguson manage before Manchester United?
Another thing for fans to take note of: the team’s stadium! Just like with American football teams or NHL teams, these guys in the Premier League need a good old stadium in which to play matches and practice. The stadium could be just as iconic as the players themselves, representing the home of the players, the club in general, and the fans. Their stadium was nicknamed “Theater of Dreams” by Bobby Charlton and is the biggest one in the United Kingdom.
Which team did Manchester United beat to win their first European Cup (1968)?
Played at Wembley Stadium on May 29, 1968, this game is one for the books, garnering massive excitement and anticipation from the fans. After all, this game would have determined if Man Utd. would win the European Cup - and become the first English team to do so! The match was highly contested, as the score was 1-1 during the normal time. A nail-biting, heart-thumping experience for audience and team alike! The game extended into extra time, where George Best put the team into the lead three minutes in. Before the 100 minute mark, the championship was secured!
Who is Manchester United’s longest-serving captain?
So you might know who their current captain is: that’s pretty basic. But do you know who their longest running team captain was? Now that would be impressive! This guy served for around twelve years, from 1982 to 1994, even co-captaining with another player around 1992-1994. He initially played for West Bromwich Albion before transferring to Manchester United, for a whopping 1.5 million pounds. He suffered many injuries during his career in Man Utd., but he still gained favor in the team!
Who holds Manchester United’s record for most appearances?
Can you imagine making 963 appearances in the different games of Manchester United? As a fan, maybe, if one had a lot of time to watch games and even re-runs, but it would be pretty difficult. Of course, there’s a player who holds this record. He also simultaneously holds the record for most starts, basically the number of games started, he started in 797 games! He must really love Man Utd! So who is this amazing player who aced the game attendance record?
Who scored the last-minute goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final?
Imagine: sweat trickling down your brow, the air cool against your hot skin. It is only mere minutes until the final whistle, and the pressure is up. The competition was neck and neck, with both Man Utd. and Bayern Munich at 1-1. The winning goal was shot at three minutes of injury time, where Man Utd. reacted fast and shot that winning goal at “90+2:17.” A surprising turnout for many, as fans set up flares for the Bayern victory. Even the UEFA was so surprised he left his seat in the stands!
Who is Manchester United’s current kit manufacturer?
If I were a kit manufacturer, or clothes maker, or tailor, or whatever, I would definitely bet on the boys of Man Utd! They generate a lot of revenue, they have a lot of fans, and they are one of the most formidable football clubs out there. So it must be incredibly profitable (and also pretty good looking for their CV’s) for this company to be the kit manufacturer for Manchester United. In fact if you take a look at the Man Utd. website, their kits are pretty popular!
In which years was Manchester United named the “leading revenue-generating club?”
A big, successful, highly popular team like this - of course they would have lots of sponsors, and lots of cash from their football operations! In around this time, they were said to have earned around 689 million euros- that’s a heck of a lot of money! Do I hear a cha-ching? In fact, this year was the first time in a while since they got the top spot in the Deloitte Football Money League, after dethroning another popular team, the Real Madrid. But which year are we talking about?
How many times have Manchester United won “The Double?”
Let’s talk sports lingo for a moment. Just what is this talk of Doubles and Trebles? Trebles might remind some of that glee club from Pitch Perfect, but to football fans these records are impressive feats made by their favorite teams. Double means (for association football) “winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season.” The Man Utd. team won the Double sometime in the nineties, which again points to this glorious time in their careers, as this is also around the time they achieved their Treble.
Under which manager was Manchester United able to compete (as the first English team to do so) in the European Cup?
Listen, this manager of theirs is a legend! They were able to compete in the European Cup (and also win it), being the first English team to do so. Under his management they were able to win the FA Cup in 1948. In 1952, they won First Division, which, at that time, was their first in 41 years! The team players got so popular because of their successes that they were dubbed “the ___ Babes” by the media (the blank of course signifying the name of the manager).
How many players died in the Munich air disaster?
It was truly a tragedy for everybody when the plane from Munich crashed and took away 23 lives, part of which was our dear Man Utd. players. This happened on February 6, 1958, when the British European Airways flight 609 crashed when it attempted to take off on a runway that was covered in slush. On this plane were the players, some journalists, and supporters, and manager Matt Busby. They were just on the way back after participating in the European Cup and the plane stopped in Munich to refuel.
Who is Manchester United’s honorary president?
It is a pretty fancy title: honorary life president! But then, it is not unwarranted. This president served as the chairman of the team for twenty-two years - from 1980 to 2002 to be more specific. He became chairman after the unexpected death of the previous chairman, his father Louis. Despite the lows of the team, they were also able to rise again with the help of this man! For example, under this president Alex Ferguson was appointed manager, and this president remained loyal to Ferguson. Which paid off because under Ferguson a lot of awards and titles have been won!
Who was the third player in the “United Trinity” besides Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law?
Have you ever been so amazing you were included as a part of such a revered title as the “United Trinity?” Certainly, there are many names for prominent players in different sports leagues, take for example The Big Three in the NBA. In Man Utd. we have what we call the United Trinity, composed of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and one other player. They helped secure the 1968 European Cup win, and all three were voted for the Ballon d’Or in the 1960’s, which is the “trophy awarded to the world’s best player!”
Which player scored their first hat-trick in the Premier League?
What is a hat-trick, you ask? Is it some fancy thing players do with the ball, bouncing it on their head or some such? Actually, it’s far from that - a hat-trick means “achieving a positive feat three times in a game.” So basically, it means scoring three goals in a match (not necessarily consecutively)! There is one player from Manchester United who first scored a hat-trick for the Premier League, though when he scored it he was still a Leeds player, and it was against a match with Tottenham Hotspur.