Manchester United, a football club that has transcended the boundaries of the sport to become a global brand, is renowned even by those who are not interested in or familiar with football. It earned the title of the most valuable football brand in 2015 and was previously the highest-earning club in the world. While the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era presented challenges for United, it is undeniable that a club of such stature will eventually reclaim its position at the top. The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson led the club to great heights in the 1990s, culminating in the first treble by an English team in Europe in 1999.
However, this story takes us back a hundred years prior to that iconic moment in 1999 to uncover the tale of how a dog became the catalyst for the survival of the team that would later become one of the greatest football clubs.
In 1878, the team was established as Newton Heath by the “Carriage and Wagon” department of the railway line between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Football was still in its nascent stages and considered an amateur sport, gradually gaining popularity among the working class after being predominantly played by elite universities.
By the late 19th century, professionalism became prevalent in football, and local businessmen recognized the influential power of sports. However, the team nicknamed the “Heathens” was not an enticing prospect. Even in their own region of Lancashire, the club was relatively unknown to football fans, despite their victory over the more renowned Blackburn Rovers in the local cup in 1898.
Financial troubles plagued the club since its entry into the Football League in 1892. They played their matches at Bank Street, a modest stadium near the factory. The factory’s smoke often caused match postponements, exacerbating the club’s financial woes.
Bank Street could only accommodate around 7,000 spectators, limiting potential ticket revenues. It was the club’s second home ground after they were forced to leave their original location at North Road due to the presence of the railway.
As the 19th century came to a close, the team plummeted into the Second Division, and the situation worsened when the club’s owner at the time, William Healey, sued them to reclaim the £242 he had loaned. Unable to repay the debt, the court ruling increased the owed amount to £2,500. This marked a near-collapse for Newton Heath, as they faced bankruptcy, and Bank Street was shut down.
An image from that period captures the dire circumstances. Instead of a ball, the captain, Harry Stafford, is depicted holding a donation box at his feet. The survival of Newton Heath relied on donations and the unwavering support of a small group of fans.
However, there was another crucial detail in that team photo—the presence of an adorable dog named Major, a St. Bernard breed, lying at the players’ feet. Major, owned by Captain Stafford, played a role more significant than the players themselves. His owner took the responsibility of raising funds for the survival of the “Heathens,” and Major became the central figure in this mission.
In February 1901, Captain Stafford organized a four-day bazaar at St. James’s Hall in Manchester city center, aiming to raise one-third of the £2,670 debt. However, it became evident that achieving this goal was challenging. As an alternative means of gathering funds, Major was sent to wander the streets of the city, collecting small coins with a box attached to his collar.
Despite Stafford’s efforts, the bazaar generated minimal funds. The last glimmer of hope vanished when Major went missing in the afternoon of the final day. The charming St. Bernard, the source of light and joy for the players, especially Stafford, had disappeared without a trace.
Little didthey know that Major’s disappearance would lead to the survival of the club and the birth of Manchester United as we know it today.
A few days later, one of the Newton Heath players stumbled upon a notice about a found dog at a pub owned by the renowned “Manchester Brewery.” The search for Major commenced. And it was John Henry Davies who would find him.
Davies, who was about to assume full control of the Manchester Brewery overseeing numerous pubs in Salford and Manchester, was in search of a suitable dog as a birthday gift for his daughter. Major, the adorable St. Bernard, seemed like the perfect fit for this purpose. So when Stafford went to retrieve the dog, Davies hinted that he was willing to do whatever it took to keep the St. Bernard in his family.
A deal was struck that satisfied both parties. Davies would take over the management of Newton Heath, and as a token of gratitude, Major would remain a gift for his daughter.
In March 1902, during a meeting about the team’s future at New Islington Hall, Stafford announced that he had secured a £200 investment in Newton Heath from Davies and three other local Manchester businessmen. This move saved the club from impending demise, as a winding-up order had been issued just two months earlier.
As a shrewd businessman, Davies immediately implemented stringent scrutiny and control over Newton Heath’s operations. He cleared all debts and took the first steps toward transforming the humble club into the football giant it is today.
A significant aspect of this new beginning was the change in club colors, shifting from green and gold to red and white. Ernest Mangnall was appointed as the manager, having previously helped Burnley navigate a similar challenging situation.
Yet, the most symbolic change was the club’s name. Manchester United was proposed by a 19-year-old fan named Louis Rocca. Initially met with mixed reactions, names like Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic were more prominent. However, one sounded like a train station name, while the other was ultimately rejected, making Rocca’s suggestion the chosen one.
In addition to being the club’s godfather, young Rocca took on various roles, including scout, assistant manager, and interim manager. Interestingly, in the 1940s, he played a pivotal role in connecting United with Matt Busby, marking the start of the club’s first glorious period with the “Busby Babes.” Unfortunately, this era was tragically cut short by the devastating plane crash in Munich.
Due to his significant contributions, Rocca is considered one of the unsung heroes in Manchester United’s history.
But what became of the great hero, Major? He spent the rest of his life cherished by his new family and revered by the fans of the team, who forever remember the charming St. Bernard’s contribution without whom Manchester United may not exist today.
