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Manchester United: The Biography: The complete story of the world's greatest football club
75 MILLION FANS. AN ANNUAL INCOME OF MORE THAN £500 MILLION. AND A STORY THAT HAS NEVER FULLY BEEN TOLD - UNTIL NOW. 'A wonderfully entertaining history' Sunday Telegraph 'When historians 1,000 years from now try to fathom the cult of Manchester United Football Club, White will be a good place to start' Financial Times MANCHESTER THE BIOGRAPHY contains everything a football fan needs to know about the club, from its birth in the smog-bound mud of Newton Heath to the Theatre of Dreams. From the solid yeomanry of Lancelot Holliday Richardson, through the gilded days of Law, Best and Charlton, to the dazzling artistry of Cristiano Ronaldo and becoming 20-time English football champions.Award-winning journalist and lifelong red Jim White brings the history of this extraordinary club to life - unofficial and unbiased, it is written with the passion of a true fan.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2008
84 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 25, 2017
I've been in love with club Since I was a kid, this Book showed me why I loved it in the first place. so many tears dropped off while reading this.
May 19, 2015
“There should be no despair in defeat and no conceit in victory.”
Most people who read this book will probably already have an opinion about Manchester United. If you love the club, then you’ll love this book. If you hate the club, then a well written history of the club, which this book certainly is, will not change your mind. So, I’ll focus on those like me who are coming in with a blank slate. If you’re looking to learn more about football, then this is a great place to start. That is, in fact, how I came to read the book - I mentioned to a friend that I was interested in learning more about the EPL and he gave me this book (a little craftily, I might add because it’s hard to read about the history of Man U without falling in love with this club.) I also recognize that reviewing Manchester United is entering into dangerous waters - there are a lot of charged emotions about this club, but this review is not about what team someone should support - this review is about the book itself.
In the opening pages, White cites a poll commissioned in 2005 which claims that 75 Million people have some affection for the club. I read that and thought through my experience of American sports, "oh, typo." Then read it again and realized - no, that’s right. 75 MILLION. You can argue that perhaps that’s inflated, but still, it shows how broad the reach of football is and particularly that of Manchester United. White sets out to understand and explain what it is that is so loved about this club (and hated, I suppose you could argue).
The strength of White’s account of Manchester United is that he puts you THERE. Whether you are there playing in the mud and smog in the early days of the club or chanting with thousands and thousands of fans at some of their most glorious victories, his pacing and suspense is good enough that it could be in a thriller novel. It’s hard not to become fully invested in the outcome as he balances the history of the club itself with the personal stories of some of the club’s heroes (and villains). Even I knew how some of the storylines turned out and yet I found myself completely engaged in the outcome every time. It’s clear that White is not just a journalist or historian but most importantly he is a story teller. Knowing what was going on with a particular player in a particular snapshot of the club’s history as they brought the club to higher levels of greatness or failed and brought it down only added to the delivery of the book.
What was surprising to me is that much of the book reads like a well crafted management guide. He readily points out the flaws in some of the approaches the club takes over the years, but even in that you can see the progression of the spirit of Man U There is always a general sense of the club being more important than any one player or coach. For example, there are sections where Ferguson draws attention to himself in the media rather than have the media focus on the issues of his players. Busby early on lectures his players on the DUTY of the players to entertain the people working hard all week and then coming to watch them. Leaders in any walk of life could take their cues from some of the themes focused on in the book.
Of course any book about Manchester United’s history has to include the dark cloud of the Munich tragedy. This chapter in particular is so powerful that even I, someone new to the history of the club, had trouble reading it.
There is this constant feeling of the manager never being bigger than the club. In the closing chapters, White talks about the manager as a curator - only watching over things until the next person comes along. What a novel idea in the current era of media-driven sports. It would be an absurd claim for a club as well marketed as Man U except that White takes you there through the history of where that philosophy comes from. That’s the feeling you get out of reading this book - you understand what the fuss is all about - why people love this club so much and why others love to hate it. There is the constant theme of us vs. them throughout the book and that shines through in the way the club is perceived today.
On page 5, White writes “what is it that all these millions of people love?” Regardless of your feelings on Manchester United, White more than delivers the answer to that question by the time you read the end more than 400 pages later. He’s done his job converting me, at least, but for anyone else, I’d recommend this as a great read about one of the most recognized sports teams in the world, and for good reason.
Most people who read this book will probably already have an opinion about Manchester United. If you love the club, then you’ll love this book. If you hate the club, then a well written history of the club, which this book certainly is, will not change your mind. So, I’ll focus on those like me who are coming in with a blank slate. If you’re looking to learn more about football, then this is a great place to start. That is, in fact, how I came to read the book - I mentioned to a friend that I was interested in learning more about the EPL and he gave me this book (a little craftily, I might add because it’s hard to read about the history of Man U without falling in love with this club.) I also recognize that reviewing Manchester United is entering into dangerous waters - there are a lot of charged emotions about this club, but this review is not about what team someone should support - this review is about the book itself.
In the opening pages, White cites a poll commissioned in 2005 which claims that 75 Million people have some affection for the club. I read that and thought through my experience of American sports, "oh, typo." Then read it again and realized - no, that’s right. 75 MILLION. You can argue that perhaps that’s inflated, but still, it shows how broad the reach of football is and particularly that of Manchester United. White sets out to understand and explain what it is that is so loved about this club (and hated, I suppose you could argue).
The strength of White’s account of Manchester United is that he puts you THERE. Whether you are there playing in the mud and smog in the early days of the club or chanting with thousands and thousands of fans at some of their most glorious victories, his pacing and suspense is good enough that it could be in a thriller novel. It’s hard not to become fully invested in the outcome as he balances the history of the club itself with the personal stories of some of the club’s heroes (and villains). Even I knew how some of the storylines turned out and yet I found myself completely engaged in the outcome every time. It’s clear that White is not just a journalist or historian but most importantly he is a story teller. Knowing what was going on with a particular player in a particular snapshot of the club’s history as they brought the club to higher levels of greatness or failed and brought it down only added to the delivery of the book.
What was surprising to me is that much of the book reads like a well crafted management guide. He readily points out the flaws in some of the approaches the club takes over the years, but even in that you can see the progression of the spirit of Man U There is always a general sense of the club being more important than any one player or coach. For example, there are sections where Ferguson draws attention to himself in the media rather than have the media focus on the issues of his players. Busby early on lectures his players on the DUTY of the players to entertain the people working hard all week and then coming to watch them. Leaders in any walk of life could take their cues from some of the themes focused on in the book.
Of course any book about Manchester United’s history has to include the dark cloud of the Munich tragedy. This chapter in particular is so powerful that even I, someone new to the history of the club, had trouble reading it.
There is this constant feeling of the manager never being bigger than the club. In the closing chapters, White talks about the manager as a curator - only watching over things until the next person comes along. What a novel idea in the current era of media-driven sports. It would be an absurd claim for a club as well marketed as Man U except that White takes you there through the history of where that philosophy comes from. That’s the feeling you get out of reading this book - you understand what the fuss is all about - why people love this club so much and why others love to hate it. There is the constant theme of us vs. them throughout the book and that shines through in the way the club is perceived today.
On page 5, White writes “what is it that all these millions of people love?” Regardless of your feelings on Manchester United, White more than delivers the answer to that question by the time you read the end more than 400 pages later. He’s done his job converting me, at least, but for anyone else, I’d recommend this as a great read about one of the most recognized sports teams in the world, and for good reason.
March 10, 2019
Fantastic read, as a newer supporter of the club to read about the history of the club was so beneficial.
April 27, 2024
Good book
April 6, 2020
Review forthcoming.
February 18, 2012
This book is of no interest to anyone who doesn’t support Manchester United. Or, to put it another way, ‘them’. But, despite being a United fan, Jim White takes just the tiniest step back to give a clear-sighted account of the travails and glories of a club that has divided opinion across the decades, and been a pioneer in areas as diverse as player unionisation, European competition and rampant commercialism.
It helps that Jim White writes so well. He’s clearly done a lot of desk research, going through the minutes of board meeting in the early years to give genuine insight into how the club was being run, as well as how it was perceived by players and fans. But what I enjoyed most was White’s ability to summarise the historically important issues and moments in United’s story, and how they related to broader changes in football and society. It was strange to read about games that I’d been to, and players that I’d idolised, as events and characters in the wider narrative. Odd to recall Ferguson’s early antipathy with Wenger, for example, or the significance of Cantona’s kung fu kick. But throughout the book, as any red knows so well, the ethos of Manchester United is the one constant: the never-say-die attitude first born after Munich, the sense of destiny that so irks the ABU’s, the recognition that no player or manager is bigger than the club. These are all qualities that every club can claim, but few have been able to articulate them so dramatically down the years.
If there is one weakness, it’s the coverage of the last decade or so, but that’s because it’s so close. The coverage of United’s most successful period somehow doesn’t have the level of historical insight, but White is hamstrung by the fact that it’s still on-going. The seasons seem to blur into one another, and changes in the wider football culture perhaps merit further discussion.
But I’m quibbling really. To a United fan, this was one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read about the club. White is the voice of the club – articulate, passionate, and very clued-up indeed. You won’t want to read this yourself, but if you have a friend who supports the club, this would be a perfect book to give them.
It helps that Jim White writes so well. He’s clearly done a lot of desk research, going through the minutes of board meeting in the early years to give genuine insight into how the club was being run, as well as how it was perceived by players and fans. But what I enjoyed most was White’s ability to summarise the historically important issues and moments in United’s story, and how they related to broader changes in football and society. It was strange to read about games that I’d been to, and players that I’d idolised, as events and characters in the wider narrative. Odd to recall Ferguson’s early antipathy with Wenger, for example, or the significance of Cantona’s kung fu kick. But throughout the book, as any red knows so well, the ethos of Manchester United is the one constant: the never-say-die attitude first born after Munich, the sense of destiny that so irks the ABU’s, the recognition that no player or manager is bigger than the club. These are all qualities that every club can claim, but few have been able to articulate them so dramatically down the years.
If there is one weakness, it’s the coverage of the last decade or so, but that’s because it’s so close. The coverage of United’s most successful period somehow doesn’t have the level of historical insight, but White is hamstrung by the fact that it’s still on-going. The seasons seem to blur into one another, and changes in the wider football culture perhaps merit further discussion.
But I’m quibbling really. To a United fan, this was one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read about the club. White is the voice of the club – articulate, passionate, and very clued-up indeed. You won’t want to read this yourself, but if you have a friend who supports the club, this would be a perfect book to give them.
January 14, 2013
Summary: Following the club’s extraordinary journey from its birth in the railway works of Newton Heath to its current status as the biggest club in world soccer, this is a fascinating history of a remarkable team. The key stages in Manchester United’s history are covered: the Munich Air Crash of 1958, which saw the best part of an entire team (the Busby Babes) being killed; becoming the first English team to win the European Cup in 1968 (with Bobby Charlton and George Best); the dominance of the club in the Premiership; the controversial sale to American tycoon Malcolm Glazer; right up to Moscow 2008. By drawing on the recollections of everyone from players and managers to fans and backroom staff, enough new material has been unearthed to interest fans and casual supporters.
Review: There are Manchester United fans who take more interest in reading every autobiography of Wayne Rooney but prefer to remain blissfully unaware of the history of the club they support. Jim White does a spectacular retelling of the history of Manchester United Football Club like a fan (yes, a fan) possessed and gives us a book that every Manchester United fan across the globe will cherish for the rest of his life.
Review: There are Manchester United fans who take more interest in reading every autobiography of Wayne Rooney but prefer to remain blissfully unaware of the history of the club they support. Jim White does a spectacular retelling of the history of Manchester United Football Club like a fan (yes, a fan) possessed and gives us a book that every Manchester United fan across the globe will cherish for the rest of his life.
September 8, 2021
I read this book because my husband is a diehard red and I find sports biographies interesting. That said, it was a really good look at the club from conception to the publishing of the book. I enjoyed learning about what makes United United—philosophies, managers, owners, players, fans, and everything else. The only difficult aspect was that since my knowledge regarding soccer, English soccer especially, is limited, I know I didn’t understand the full depth of a lot of the references. I didn’t know which teams were good or bad, I didn’t know many of the players’ names, and I didn’t know who were rivals. The author was pretty good at giving what context he could without making the book unnecessarily longer, but it’s definitely meant for an English soccer fan.
November 27, 2018
Great book for football fans
February 10, 2023
Been a united supporter for over a decade now, most of it after the glory days under Sir Alex. This book bridged my gap about the history of the club, of the United Way of playing football and winning. It does a great job of taking you back to important events in United history and connecting the dots that led to the club being what it is today. It takes you back to the rainy champions league night in Moscow and Giggsy running without his shirt in the FA cup final and doesn't fall short of conveying the emotions running through those great moments in United history.
Would definitely recommend to any new supporter.
Would definitely recommend to any new supporter.
May 26, 2022
What an absolutely fantastic read. I just wish it carried on up until more recently! I loved Jim White's writing style. Now that I've read this book, I find myself wanting to read more and more about Utd. I took this book to Old Trafford with me last weekend & to have sat in the Alex Ferguson stand reading this book whilst I waited for the match to start, gave me goosebumps. I felt like all the ghost's of Manchester United's past were all around me. I can't recommend this book highly enough. 10/10.
June 12, 2019
As a lifelong Manchester United fan this is a must. We all know the history but I think Jim White goes in to incredible detail of the Busby era and what he was like as a manager and a man around the club. I learned a lot in the process of reading this too. The book ends at the ending of the 2008-2009 season which is tough to remember given United's current climate of finishing 6th in 2018-2019 a mere 10 years later. Would highly recommend.
May 22, 2020
4+ stars This is a most informative and complete history of the world’s finest soccer club. It is a fitting complement to reading the autobiographies of Charlton and Ferguson, Beckham and Zlatan. It explains many historical and cultural details that supplement a visit to Old Trafford, watching the team play (even if only here in the states), and shaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s hand. Manchester United: We Will Never Die!
May 11, 2025
Such an in depth look at one of the biggest teams in football. As a fan of the team this was a must read. The author provides such a deep dive into the history of the team, the stadium, and it's fans. Anyone who has become a fan of this team or even a fan of the Premier League in general should give this book a once over.
April 7, 2021
This is an...odd book to review, because (especially being a book from 13 years ago) it's hard to think of who would want to read this, unless you're a big United fan and/or curious about football history.
Even so though, I still enjoyed reading it
Even so though, I still enjoyed reading it
December 26, 2022
A comprehensive look at the history of one of football's most revered clubs. It will strike supporters from the 20th century with nostalgia, while also filling the new generation with admiration for what came before.
May 4, 2020
Written before the post-Fergie era, Jim documents the rise of little Newton Heath into the biggest sports team on the planet. A Man United fan who is unafraid to be critical, the love for the team pours off every page.
August 11, 2021
I learned so much about the club I love. Must read for a United fan
December 11, 2024
have to give the great club in the world a 5 star review
November 21, 2025
Interesting read for those who wish to learn more about the club. from the beginning to the 2010 era.
December 10, 2025
This is a good overview of the history of Man U up through 2009. A bit abbreviated at points, it covers the highlights and lowlights of the club.
June 11, 2019
Whether you are a casual fans or hardcore one, this book summed up the history of Manchester United.
August 17, 2022
Lịch sử Man United, CLB giàu thành tích bậc nhất nước Anh được Jim White kể lại đúng với tinh thần hai chữ “thiên sử”, với đủ đầy những thăng trầm của Quỷ đỏ. Ngoài ra, tác giả cũng cho người đọc hình dung sự phát triển của bóng đá thế giới, từ một môn giải trí, tới một nghề nghiệp bán thời gian, cho đến khi vươn mình trở thành một ngành công nghiệp thể thao toàn cầu.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2016
This book, Manchester United: The Biography: The Complete Story of the World's Greatest Football Club, is a very informative book. This book made me think of several different things differently. For one thing not all good things start off the best, you have to work for it. Manchester United is one of the most famous soccer clubs in England. Although when first establishing the club, the club had like no supporters and no one came to any games. Another thing I learned from this book is things happen with trail and error. If you never have any errors in life then you will never learn and never get anywhere in life. Another thing I learned is that Manchester United was a beginning club for many players like for example Cristiano Ronaldo. He joined the club at a very young age and now is one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Not only is this with Ronaldo but many other players. In conclusion I believe that anyone wanting a book to inform about how the soccer clubs are established then I highly recommend this book for them to read and enjoy.
January 2, 2024
Jim White's Manchester United biography provides a captivating journey through the club's storied history, celebrating its triumphs and iconic figures. White's thorough research and engaging narrative style make for a compelling read that will resonate with fans. The in-depth exploration of key moments and personalities adds depth to the narrative.
However, some readers may find that certain periods or events are given more emphasis than others, leading to an uneven pacing. Additionally, while the biography successfully captures the spirit of Manchester United, a more critical examination of the club's challenges or controversies could have added a well-rounded perspective. Despite these considerations, Jim White's work stands as an immersive and commendable tribute to the rich legacy of Manchester United.
However, some readers may find that certain periods or events are given more emphasis than others, leading to an uneven pacing. Additionally, while the biography successfully captures the spirit of Manchester United, a more critical examination of the club's challenges or controversies could have added a well-rounded perspective. Despite these considerations, Jim White's work stands as an immersive and commendable tribute to the rich legacy of Manchester United.
February 20, 2022
What a fantasy and well researched book. I am a huge United fan and will be going on vacation with my wife to England next week and wanted to read up to get ready for my first game in person.
Reading about the humble beginnings of the club and the Matt Busby era gave me a great reference of the history of the club I wasn't familiar with. A lot of times the problem with this kind of book is the author repeats particular beats that they want to stick and that was not the case with this. White has a unique and thoughtful way about his writing style.
This is a must read for any fan of the Reds and also for any soccer fan.
Reading about the humble beginnings of the club and the Matt Busby era gave me a great reference of the history of the club I wasn't familiar with. A lot of times the problem with this kind of book is the author repeats particular beats that they want to stick and that was not the case with this. White has a unique and thoughtful way about his writing style.
This is a must read for any fan of the Reds and also for any soccer fan.
Read
September 3, 2011A jauntily written entertaining history of the English football giant. Author hits all the famous highs and lows- '68 and '99 European Cups, the Munich air disaster of '58 and the disintegration of George Best's talent- very capably. He knows the boardroom as well as he does the pitch. Is he perhaps a bit too reliable in taking Alex Ferguson's side in his many disputes with players? Is that why White retains access to the notoriously prickly Scot? Just asking. Well done. Read it in under a week.
February 15, 2012
Fast pace and enjoyable, written with a sports writer's eye for action and the story. I enjoyed the tone, and pacing of the book, but I would like to have more statistics from year to year, along with more player biographies and pictures. Also, I felt that the writter kind of passed over the later period of Manchester United's history, in favor of focusing on the earlier struggles of the club.
May 3, 2012
History of the soccer team. Decent history and overview. Best fact is that no one can really say what 'United' means in this context. Makes all the teams that chose this name look a bit more than the normal, "me,too."
March 3, 2013
A die hard follower with just about no knowledge of Newton Heath and Duncan Edwards? This is it. A brilliant read about how it all came together, fell apart and came together again.
"The most romantic club in history"
Hats off to White for the captivating portrayal, never had a dull moment.
"The most romantic club in history"
Hats off to White for the captivating portrayal, never had a dull moment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews