FC United of Manchester

FC United of Manchester
source
Clubname	FC United of Manchester
Fullname	FC United of Manchester
Nickname	The Reds
Founded	2005
Ground	Broadhurst Park
Capacity	4,400
Chairman	Neil Walsh
Manager	Tom Greaves

FC United of Manchester is a semi-professional association football club based in Moston, Manchester, founded in 2005 as a breakaway supporter-owned club. The club was established after protests surrounding the takeover of Manchester United F.C. by Malcolm Glazer and has since competed in English non-league tiers, hosting matches at Broadhurst Park and engaging with civic projects across Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and local communities.

History

Founded in 2005, the club emerged following activism linked to protests at Old Trafford and campaigns involving groups such as Manchester United Supporters Trust and RedFans United. Early fixtures were played at venues including Bury F.C.'s Gigg Lane, Curzon Ashton F.C.'s Tameside Stadium, and Edgeley Park, before development of a permanent site. The team progressed through the North West Counties Football League, gained promotion via play-offs into the Northern Premier League, and later entered the National League North after successive promotions. The formation intersected with wider supporter-owned movements exemplified by AFC Wimbledon, Exeter City F.C. Supporters Trust, and FC St. Pauli's fan culture. Club development involved negotiations with Manchester City Council and partners including Sport England to secure Broadhurst Park, a project akin to stadia initiatives at Hayes & Yeading United F.C. and Salford City F.C..

Stadium and Facilities

Broadhurst Park, opened in 2015, sits in the Moston district near Manchester Airport transport links and the M60 motorway. The ground features a main stand, terracing, community pavilion, and training pitches comparable to facilities at Altrincham F.C. and Macclesfield F.C. prior to their changes. Construction involved planning processes with Planning and Development Committee stakeholders and funding streams similar to grants administered by The Football Foundation and Sport England. The site hosts community programs in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, local schools, and charities such as Manchester Mind and Home-Start Manchester.

Supporters and Community Ownership

Operated as a supporters' trust model, the club follows structures seen at AFC Wimbledon Supporters' Trust and Clapton Community FC. Membership grants voting rights at Annual General Meetings and mirrors governance frameworks used by Supporters Direct-affiliated clubs. Activism and fundraising involved fan groups, volunteer stewards, and cooperation with The FA on supporter engagement. The club's model has been cited in debates alongside Salford City Development and supporter initiatives linked to Newcastle United Supporters Trust.

Club Identity and Colours

The club adopted red and white colours reflecting supporters' heritage connected to Manchester United F.C., with badge symbolism referencing local landmarks such as Moston and the wider City of Manchester identity. Kit suppliers and sponsors have included companies active in regional sport commerce and mirror arrangements seen at clubs like Rochdale A.F.C. and Stockport County F.C.. The crest design and motto draw parallels with civic heraldry such as that of Manchester City Council and historical emblems displayed at Manchester Cathedral.

Rivalries and Notable Matches

Local rivalries include fixtures against FC United's neighbours at clubs like Salford City F.C., Altrincham F.C., Stockport County F.C., and Accrington Stanley when league structures aligned. High-attendance matches have occurred at Broadhurst Park and during cup ties at larger venues such as Old Trafford and Anfield for friendlies or testimonial fixtures. Notable competitive matches include FA Cup runs and promotion play-offs against clubs like Chorley F.C., Gainsborough Trinity F.C., and Boston United F.C..

Players and Management

The squad has featured players with backgrounds at clubs including Manchester United Reserves, Bolton Wanderers, Bury F.C., and Rochdale A.F.C. on loan or permanent terms. Managers and coaching staff have originated from networks spanning The Football Association coaching pathway, non-league specialists, and ex-professional players who played for teams such as Wrexham A.F.C., Blackpool F.C., and Crewe Alexandra F.C.. Recruitment has involved scouting in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cheshire non-league circuits.

Records and Honours

Honours include league titles and cup successes within the North West Counties Football League and promotions via play-offs to the Northern Premier League and National League North. Attendance records at Broadhurst Park and milestone fixtures have drawn comparisons to supporter-owned club attendances like AFC Wimbledon and FC St. Pauli. The club’s operational model and on-pitch achievements are often cited alongside achievements at Yeovil Town F.C. and Barnsley F.C. in regional football studies.

Category:Football clubs in Manchester Category:Supporters' trust association football teams