Manchester United badge
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Manchester United

Founded 1878

What does the badge mean?

Red shield with a devil, a ship, and the words "Manchester United." The red devil is United's iconic symbol, giving rise to the nickname "The Red Devils" adopted in the 1960s after manager Matt Busby was inspired by the Salford Rugby League club who used the same nickname. The ship, like City's badge, references the Manchester Ship Canal. The devil holding a trident has become one of the most recognisable symbols in world sport.

Badge history

1878 — Founded as Newton Heath LYR FC 1902 — Renamed Manchester United 1960s — Devil informally adopted as symbol 1970 — Devil formally incorporated into badge 1998 — "FC" removed from badge in major rebrand 2022 — Subtle modernisation; current version

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