Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878. The club played in green and gold and was initially associated with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. In 1902, facing financial difficulties, the club was saved by local brewer John Henry Davies and subsequently rebranded as Manchester United. The club changed its colours to the now-iconic red, white, and black.
During the early 20th century, Manchester United's nickname was "The Heathens," a nod to their original name, Newton Heath. However, this nickname didn't stick, and the club's identity continued to evolve.
The Disaster that shaped the name “Red Devils”
Under the management of Matt Busby, who took over in 1945, Manchester United enjoyed significant success. The young and talented squad known as the "Busby Babes" won league titles in 1956 and 1957 and was poised for further success. However, tragedy struck in 1958 when the team's plane crashed in Munich, resulting in the deaths of 23 people, including eight players. This event profoundly impacted the club and its supporters.
These were the players recruited by United from the beginning of the 1940s to ’50s and trained under Matt Busby, hence the name “Busby Babes”. After the Munich Air disaster Busby thought it was inappropriate to address the name. It was from French Media that these same players were called “Les Diables Rouges” which was called “Red Devils” in English. Busby liked the name and hence “the devil on the crest” was born.
Despite the tragedy, Sir Matt Busby rebuilt the team, and by the 1960s, Manchester United was once again a dominant force in English football. The team won the league title in 1965 and 1967 and, most notably, the European Cup in 1968, becoming the first English team to do so. This period cemented Manchester United's reputation as a resilient and formidable club.
When was the actual branding of Red Devils Done?
In the early 1970s, the club officially adopted the "Red Devils" moniker and incorporated it into its branding. The club crest was redesigned to include a devil holding a pitchfork, reinforcing the new identity. This emblem has become one of the most recognizable symbols in world football.
The "Red Devils" nickname has played a significant role in shaping the club's identity and culture. It embodies the fighting spirit, resilience, and determination that have come to define Manchester United. The nickname also serves a psychological purpose, instilling fear and respect in opponents while rallying the club's supporters around a powerful and unifying symbol.
The nickname "Red Devils" for Manchester United is more than just a moniker; it is a testament to the club's history, resilience, and transformation. From the early days of Newton Heath to the triumphs and tragedies under Sir Matt Busby, the evolution of the nickname reflects the club's enduring spirit and global stature.
Today, the "Red Devils" symbolize not only the team's distinctive red kits but also their fierce competitiveness and never-say-die attitude, making it an integral part of Manchester United's identity.
留言