A Rivalry for the Ages – The Manchester Derby at Old Trafford Welcome to a deep dive into the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford – one of football’s fiercest and most exciting rivalries, where sparks almost always fly. Join us as Sportsbreaks.com explores the history, intense fan rivalry and a selection of the unforgettable matches that have defined this fixture throughout the ages. Manchester United v Manchester City – The Birth of a Rivalry The early Manchester Derbies featured neither Manchester United nor Manchester City… Instead, both clubs plied their trade under different names. In 1878, Manchester United were originally Newton Heath LYR Football Club, a team for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, who joined the Football League in 1892. Manchester City started life under the name St. Mark’s (West Gorton) in 1880, established by the Church in a district of Manchester. They underwent a name change in 1887, becoming Ardwick Association Football Club, and it was not until 1894 that the name Manchester City Football Club was born. The first recorded Manchester Derby took place on November 12, 1881, under their early names, with St. Mark’s (West Gorton) playing against Newton Heath. Newton Heath won 3-0, a match symbolic of the growing football culture in Manchester. As both teams grew, their meetings became more frequent and their rivalry intensified, especially after both clubs found their permanent names and homes. The Lions’ tours provide a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best rugby talent play together, creating an exhilarating blend of rivalry and camaraderie among the nations of the British Isles. This tradition has not only shaped rugby’s history but also contributed to the sport’s cultural heritage, with every tour adding to the legacy of epic contests, unforgettable moments and a fierce pride in wearing the iconic red jersey. The Early Life of Old Trafford By the early 20th century, the matches between the two had become major events for the local communities. Old Trafford, completed in 1910 as the home of Manchester United, soon hosted numerous derbies, each building the narrative of a city both divided and united by football where allegiance to either side became an identity in itself. As Manchester United’s home since 1910, it is little surprise that it has seen its fair share of intense Manchester Derbies, becoming a fortress and an icon, steeped in passion and history during this time.