The Real Reason Manchester United is called ‘Red Devils’

THE story of Manchester United’s nickname is one of the most exciting and interesting stories in football, Many fans and pundits would argue that the United of the Sir Alex Ferguson’s days always had something a bit devilish about them, But the nickname ‘Red Devils’ goes back to centuries where its roots is traced to a whole different sport,

Why are Manchester United called the Red Devils?

Manchester City fans always say United supporters aren’t really from Manchester, and the origin of the club’s nickname would certainly bring a smile to the faces of the city’s blue half, Salford’s dominant rugby league team earned the nickname Red Devils during a tour of France in 1934, when they were so dazzling and ruthless that a French journalist labelled them ‘Les Diables Rouges’ which meant the Red Devils, United’s early nickname was ‘The Heathens’ due to the fact they came from Newton Heath and were the first ever team to play on Sunday, But they eventually decided that Salford’s nickname effectively meant the same thing and sounded more ruthless, which suited they description.

When did the nickname start?

In the early 1960s, Sir Matt Busby one of Manchester United’s first and greatest coach decided he preferred the name ‘Red Devils’ to either ‘Heathens’ or ‘Busby Babes’, as his young squad were also known, The rest, as they say, is history. In 1970, the devil joined the traditional ship on the club’s badge, Fred the Red’, a man in a devil costume, was also made the official United mascot and appears in all United home games, The club since the 70s officially acknowledge Red Devils as their nickname and have merchandise with the devil’s logo on it, Salford’s rugby league team continue to be known as Red Devils, Surprisingly, the international football teams of Belgium, Belarus and Congo also share the nickname, Follow this account for more updates on football.