Manchester United Then and Now

Description

Manchester United Then and Now takes a nostalgic look at the way football's most charismatic club has changed over more than a century. Starting with its earliest form, Newton Heath LY&R, the book traces United's railwaymen roots, visiting the previous stadia in Manchester where they played before the major move to Old Trafford in 1910. Scenes of past triumphs and tragedy are revisited and photographed as they look today. From the FA cup celebrations of 1948 to the dark days of Munich in 1958, historic photos are given a new context. Archive pictures of old training grounds, long forgotten digs, players' favourite bowling rinks, even their old cars are featured alongside their modern day counterparts. There are short histories of the four United legends who have statues outside the ground today, Sir Matt Busby and the trinity of Law, Best and Charlton. Plus there is a comprehensive visual history of the evolution of Old Trafford from the 1920s with a single stand, through the bombing devastation of the second world war, rapid expansion in the 1960s to its present day majesty as the `Theatre of Dreams'. Manchester United Then and Now gives a unique and fascinating insight into the history and heritage of the most successful English Premiership club.

Michael Heatley is the former editor of The Footballer and Matchday magazines. He has also written for a number of national publications including 4-4-2 and the Radio Times. He is the author of Football Grounds Then and Now, A History of Football, Football Club Origins and Nicknames, Lost Football League Grounds and The Football Grounds Factbook. He has interviewed many players and managers over the years including United legends George Best and Edwin van der Sar.