Sir Matt Busby's 1956-57 Double

Lore & Background

The first record of any matches played by the Manchester United reserve team dates back to 6 October 1883, when the club was still known as Newton Heath LYR F.C., a 4–1 defeat away to Pendleton Olympic Reserves. They predominantly played friendlies for their first nine seasons, although they entered the first four seasons of the Lancashire Junior Cup, starting in 1885–86. In 1911, the club became founder members of the Central League, winning their first league title in its second season in 1912–13. They played in the Central League until 1999, when the competition was superseded by the Premier Reserve League, winning the title nine times. The reserve team was dissolved in 2012 and replaced by an under-21 side that played in the newly founded Premier League 2.

Reader's Guide

The team is effectively Manchester United's second-string side, but is limited to five outfield players and one goalkeeper over the age of 21 per game following the introduction of new regulations from the 2022–23 season. The team's current manager is Adam Lawrence, who took over from Travis Binnion in 2026. Since 2014–15, the team plays its home matches at Leigh Sports Village. Rules set out by the Premier League state that at least three home league games per season must be played at the club's main stadium, Old Trafford.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United won the Premier Reserve League play-off final four times (2005, 2006, 2010, 2012).
• The under-21s won three of the first four Premier League 2 titles, only missing out in 2013–14.
• From November 2008 to August 2013, the team played its home matches at Moss Lane in Altrincham.
• The team also participates in the EFL Trophy from the 2019–20 edition.