Sir Matt Busby and the Babes

The foundation of Manchester United's spirit and identity was forged in the post-war era under the visionary leadership of Sir Matt Busby. He built a team of young, home-grown talent known affectionately as the "Busby Babes," who won back-to-back league titles in 1956 and 1957.

The Munich Tragedy (1958)

On February 6, 1958, the club suffered a catastrophic setback when a plane carrying the team crashed in Munich. The disaster claimed 23 lives, including eight players and three club officials. The loss of a generation of potential greats, such as the legendary Duncan Edwards, devastated the club and the football world.

Sir Matt Busby survived and, with incredible resilience, rebuilt the team. This rebuilding culminated a decade later with the club becoming the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968, honouring the memory of those lost.

To learn more about the great achievements of the club, visit the Honours page.

Unprecedented Dominance: The 1999 Treble

Under the 27-year reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United established an unparalleled period of English dominance. The peak of this era was the 1998/99 season, when the club achieved the historic **Continental Treble**—winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson holding the Premier League trophy.

The Champions League Final

The Treble was sealed in dramatic fashion in Barcelona, coming back from a goal down against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final. Goals from substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær in stoppage time secured a 2-1 victory that cemented the team's legendary status. This squad, featuring names like Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Keane, and Schmeichel, is considered one of the greatest club teams in history.

Relive the Famous Comeback!

Manchester United: The Trophy Cabinet

Manchester United holds the record for the most English top-flight titles, cementing its place as one of the most successful clubs in world football. Below is a snapshot of the major silverware won across domestic, European, and global competitions.

Manchester United players lifting a major trophy.

Major Trophies Won

Competition Number of Titles Notable Years
League Titles (20 Total) 20 1908, 1957 (Busby Babes), 1967 (Busby rebuild), 1999 (Treble), 2013 (Last title under SAF)
FA Cup 13 1909, 1948, 1963, 1999, 2024
European Cup / UEFA Champions League 3 1968 (First English Team), 1999 (Treble), 2008
EFL Cup / League Cup 6 1992, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2023
UEFA Europa League 1 2017
FIFA Club World Cup 1 2008

The pursuit of greatness continues, driven by the legacy of the United Trinity (Best, Law, Charlton) and the dynasty built by Sir Alex Ferguson.