Mention the term ‘Red Devils’ to any football fan worth his salt, and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Indeed, an image of the famous Manchester United crest will probably come into their head (red and yellow with one devil central, holding a pitchfork).
However, there is somewhat of an intriguing history behind it. While it is the last one the club has had, it has stuck for over 60 years and can be traced back to the days of Sir Matt Busby when he was manager.
Busby was actually instrumental in the creation of such. Up until then, Manchester United, also due to Busby, were known as the ‘Busby Babes’, due to the Scot’s philosophy of youth development (albeit very successfully).
However, following the tragedy of the Munich plane crash, which led to a successful rebuild, Busby felt that the club needed a nickname that he felt matched the identity that he was trying to transition into and what he wanted the club to be thought of as – scary and aggressive.
Afterall, this was the type of buccanneering football he asked for, utilising the talents of George Best, (Sir) Bobby Charlton and Denis Law among others. Indeed, the way they went about matches was even almost ‘devilish’, as such, ‘The Red Devils’ was born.
Indeed, the crest was also created and is still iconic today, recognised the world over – the emblematic red and yellow branding with a devil in the middle of the trident holding its pitchfork.
Other Nicknames
Understandably, the club has also had other nicknames, including the aforementioned “Busby Babes”, due to Busby putting his trust in youth.
The club’s first ever nickname was “The Heathens”, due to its original name of Newton Heath in the late 1800s. It was also in line with nicknames of religious-affiliated clubs, with the club’s ground, North Road owned by Manchester Cathedral.
Following the club’s move to a new ground where it became Manchester United and then, eventually to Old Trafford, they became known, simply as “The Reds”, simply due to the fact that new owner – brewer, John Henry Davies changed the kit colour from green and gold to red and white.
Of course, Manchester United wasn’t the only club with that nickname – indeed, fierce north-west rivals Liverpool were also called this, making the rivalry even more intense and meaningful.
However, it is arguably as The Red Devils where the club has witnessed most of its success, including a previously unprecedented treble season (1998/99), plus another Champions League win (2007/08) under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. As such, the “Red Devils” became known the world over due to Ferguson’s effect on the club, ensuring it was a name that would stick.