In the world of football, money is crucial. Clubs all over the world require it to build young academies, acquire quality players, and other initiatives. One of the top teams in European football is Manchester United, which is owned by the Glazer family. Once struggling financially, the squad now boasts 20 league titles and three UEFA Champions League titles. It’s interesting to note that a pet dog helped the team avoid bankruptcy and become one of the best in European football.
Start of the Red Devils
In 1878, the group was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club by Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway employees. The team was demoted to the second level in 1894. Over the years, the club failed to regain promotion to the first level when key players left. The club was having such much financial trouble by 1900 that they were in danger of going bankrupt.
How a dog saved Manchester United from bankruptcy
The club held a fundraising bazaar at St. James’ Hall on Oxford Road in Central Manchester from February 27 to March 2, 1901, in an effort to reestablish financial stability. The target amount raised was less than the £1,000 that was intended to be raised. However, a fascinating incident led to the club’s name and drastically altered its fortunes.
A St. Bernard dog known as The Major, the club’s mascot, vanished. He was lost on the last day of the Bazaar and belonged to captain Harry Stafford. The rich local brewer and businessman John Davies noticed him when he finally showed up at a restaurant after he had been wandering the streets. Through a Manchester Evening News ad, he was able to locate the dog’s owner. Davies desired to purchase a puppy for his daughter as a pet.
At first, Stafford turned down the businessman’s offer to purchase his pet dog. The team captain finally gave in, though, as the club was on the verge of going bankrupt, and Davies was able to get the dog in time for his daughter’s birthday.
Later, after becoming concerned about the club’s financial situation, Davies worked with Strafford and four other investors to save them from bankruptcy. Harry, the club’s captain, was appointed a director. Following all of the turmoil, the team was renamed Manchester United, and the football organization let them play on.
