Manchester United, formerly Newton Heath LYR FC, was founded in 1878 and became a professional club in 1885 before joining the Football League in 1892. Manchester United is currently a member of the Premier League, England's top football league. Since 1975, they have never been out of the top tier, and they have never been in the second tier. They've also been involved in European football since 1956 when they became the first English club to qualify for the competition.
Manchester United has a record of 20 League titles, 12 FA Cups, five League Cups, and a record 21 FA Community Shields, more than any other club in English football. Three European Cups/UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA Europa League, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup have also been won by United. The club became the first in English football history to win the continental European treble in 1998–99.
However, despite the constant success in the past century, Manchester United have faced many ups and downs. They have been a part of many shocks and surprises in terms of results since their inception. Here are the topmost embarrassing moments in Manchester United's history.
5. Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 Manchester United (2020-21 Premier League)
Jose Mourinho returned to Old Trafford and humiliated his former club as Tottenham thrashed Manchester United. As a 10-man squad, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane both scored twice, with Tanguy Ndombele and Serge Aurier also finding the net. United suffered a defeat comparable to Manchester City's 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford in 2011. Bruno scored in the second minute, but United conceded six goals after that due to shoddy defending.
4. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City (2011-12 Premier League)
Manchester City's transformation from "noisy neighbours" to genuine challengers was exemplified in a 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United, which was the Citizens' biggest home defeat in 56 years. City had also won 5-0 on that occasion 56 years ago. City took the lead when Mario Balotelli took a pass from David Silva and casually stroked the ball into the bottom corner. The Italian striker was involved in a fireworks incident at his home and lifted his shirt to reveal another shirt that read, "Why always me?" for which he was cautioned. Through Milner's cross, he added a second goal, and Aguero added a third. United had a glimmer of hope when Darren Fletcher pulled a goal back for the home side. After United failed to clear a corner, Edin Dzeko, who had replaced two-goal star Mario Balotelli, converted with his knee. David Silva raced clear a minute later to slot the ball between David de Gea's legs to make it 5-1. Dzeko was set up by David Silva, who delivered the match's best pass, and the Bosnian scored with his left foot to send blues fans into fantasy land.
3. Manchester United 1-7 Newcastle United (1927-28 First Division)
It was United’s 32nd season in the Football League. They started the season comfortably with two consecutive wins in the opening two fixtures. They drew their next two games and faced Newcastle at home in the fifth game. But their unbeaten streak was ended by the Magpies as they conceded 7 goals at home. Joseph Spence managed to score a consolation goal for the home team. United finished the season 18th and escaped relegation as they won 5 of their last 7 games.
2. Aston Villa 7-0 Manchester United (1930-31 First Division)
Manchester United's 35th season in the Football League was 1930–31. They had been in the First Division for five consecutive seasons. However, they had a horrible season as they lost 27 games, including 12 consecutive opening fixture losses. After losing against Aston Villa 3-4 at home, they faced them in the reverse fixture to turn around their dismal season. But Aston Villa rushed United 7-0. United finished last in the league and was relegated to the Second Division at the end of the season, winning just seven games.
1. Blackburn Rovers 7-0 Manchester United (1925-26 First Division)
Manchester United's 30th season in the Football League was 1925–26. After being promoted to the First Division, they finished ninth in the league, their best finish since before the Great War. Their promotion, however, was followed by a string of big-margin defeats in the First Division. With just seven games remaining in the league, Manchester United travelled to Ewood Park after two consecutive defeats in the league. However, their hopes to bounce back from the losses crashed as they lost 7-0 at Blackburn. This remains the biggest defeat in Manchester United’s history.
