FC United begins life in lower leagues

FC United of Manchester have been granted a place in the North West Counties League next season.

The fledgling club, launched as a direct result of Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchester United, will play in the Second Division of the competition, with Droylsden’s 3,000-capacity Butcher’s Arms ground.

Although the venue has yet to be authorised by Tameside Council, it would be a symbolic choice given its proximity to Bank Street, the first ground of the Newton Heath club which eventually became United.

Club officials do have another alternative but Droylsden is by far the preferred choice and once the new campaign gets under way, the venue is likely to attract far more than the average crowds of 300 currently generated by the hosts.

So far, it is estimated around 3,000 disenchanted United fans have pledged their support to the new venture and while this number is only a tiny fraction of the Red Devils’ vast global support, it will provide a permanent reminder of the anger Glazer’s involvement at Old Trafford has generated.

It is envisaged the new club will play their first friendly in mid-July, with their league campaign due to commence on Saturday, August 13 – the same weekend as the Premiership starts – with a traditional 3pm kick-off.

However, there will be no FC United of Manchester presence in next season’s FA Cup because the club was not formed when the Football Association’s deadline for entries passed in April.