Football Culture
Manchester soccer teams: Biggest and most successful clubs
WIn our article; we’ve ranked every Manchester soccer from the biggest, most successful teams in the Premier League, FA Cup and other football competitions.
Greater Manchester is one of the top destinations for football in the United Kingdom.
The city has developed some of the best football clubs globally, including Manchester United, Manchester City, etc.
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Cool facts
How many Premier League teams are there in Manchester? Two clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, are the teams from Greater Manchester in the Premier League.
What is the best football club in Greater Manchester? Manchester United is the best club in Manchester-based on trophies won. United have won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Biggest football clubs in Manchester and the most successful teams
1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Bolton Wanderers
4. Wigan Athletic
Manchester soccer teams in the Premier League
- Manchester United Football Club
- Manchester City Football Club
Manchester United
Manchester United Football Club or Man United is a professional football club based in Greater Manchester that plays in the English Premier League.
Man United, nicknamed “The Red Devils”, accelerated from a city club to a global brand, becoming one of the most successful soccer teams in Manchester and the world.
They were founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club; it changed its name to Manchester United officially twenty-four years later in 1902.
Club Summary
Name Manchester United Football Club.
Short Name: Man United, UTD or simply United.
Nickname: The Red Devils
Stadium: Old Trafford.
League: Premier League
Manchester United is one of the most successful English football teams in history, winning more trophies than any other club.
United have won a record 20 Premier League League titles, 12 FA Cups, five EFL League Cups and a record 21 FA Community Shields.
On the European scene, the club has also won a respectable number of trophies to add to its cabinet.
Man United have won 3 UEFA Champions Leagues, 1 UEFA Europa League, 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (defunct), 1 UEFA Super Cup, and 1 Intercontinental Cup (defunct) and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
The history makers
United became the first English football to achieve the continental European treble in 1998–99.
The success achieved over the years has Manchester United as one of the clubs with the most supporters worldwide.
The Red Devils have a tough rivalry with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Leeds United.
Manchester United Trophies and Achievements

In terms of trophies won, Manchester United is one of the most successful soccer teams in Europe.
In the domestic scene in England, United dominates as much, and on the world stage, the club is also one of the most successful in history.
United have won a record 20 Premier League/ First Division titles in total. The club holds a record of 13 Premier League titles and 12 FA Cups.
Premier League – Domestic
Titles: 20 (a record).
United holds a record of 20 Premier League titles, more than any other club in the country.
In overall titles, the first Premier League title at the end of the 1992–93 season was the club’s eighth title.
In the Premier League era, Manchester United became the first club in the newly created league’s history to lift the title a the end of the 1992–93 season.
The club’s first title was achieved in 1907–08, and a second title three years later in 1910–11. It took Manchester United about 42 years to lift its title in 1951–52.
From 1951-52 to 1966–67, the club won five titles, which is five titles in 15 years, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the Greater Manchester-based club.
The new breakaway league known as the English Premier League was formed in 1992. Manchester United became the first team to lift the title at the end of the 1992/93 season.
This win sent messages across England as United set sights on a new era of dominance with Scottish Manager Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of the club.
Manchester United successfully defended the following year in 1994.
Lost the title in 1995, United returned to following to lift the title in 1996, depending on the food year once again in 1997.
The club further registered its name on the winner’s list with three consecutive titles from 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01.
Manchester United won the title for three consecutive seasons, the second time from 2006–07, 2007–08, and 2008–09.
The last time Manchester United won the English Premier League was during the 2012–13 Football League season in England.
FA Cup – Domestic
Titles: 14
United are the second overall best team in the history of the English FA Cup behind Arsenal with 12 titles.
From 1982–83 to 1984–85, the club won two titles. 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96 and 1998–99 saw the club lift four FA Cup titles.
The club’s first triumph was in 1908–09. Since the beginning of the 2000s, United have won only two FA Cup titles, last won in the 2015–16 campaign.
Football League Cup/EFL Cup – Domestic
Titles: 5
United enjoyed success in the EFL League Cup as the club made it back to back wins between the 2008–09 and the 2009–10 season.
The club’s first triumph was in the 1991–92 campaign.
FA Charity Shield/FA Community Shield – Domestic
Manchester United are the most successful team in the history of the FA Community Shield, with over 21 titles.
The club’s first triumph was in 1908, and a second three years later in 1911. In the 1950s, the club achieved additional three titles in 1952, 1956 and 1957.
The club’s dominated the Community Shield in the 1990s with about five titles between 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997.
In the modern era beginning from the 2000s, United have won over seven titles.
UEFA Champions League – International
Titles: 3
United’s stand as one of the best football clubs in Europe wasn’t a statement but an achievement.
United have won over three UEFA Champions League titles between 1967–68, 1998–99, and 2007–08.
UEFA Europa League – International
Titles: 1 – 2016–17
UEFA Super Cup – International
Titles: 1 – 1991
FIFA Club World Cup – International
Titles: 1 – 2008.
Manchester United won the FIFA Club World Cup after a remarkable season in Europe.
The club won the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League to qualify for the World Cup.
United defeated Ecuadorian side LDU Quito to win its first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title.
Other European trophies won
European Cup Winners’ Cup – 1
Intercontinental Cup – 1
The two competitions are now defunct.
Supporters (fan base)
Manchester United stands as one of the most popular and most supported football clubs globally.
The club’s fans are under an alliance known as the Manchester United Supporters Club (MUSC) for fans worldwide.
As of 2021, there are an estimated 75 million Manchester United fans worldwide.
There’s also the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association (IMUSA). The organisation tries to maintain close links to the club through the MUFC Fans Forum.
The other group is the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST).
The club’s fans could be term “Old Trafford Faithfuls, Stretford End”, The Red Devils, etc.
The club has a unique fan base across the world. This could be attributed to the success recorded over the years.
On the world stage, in terms of trophies, popularity and most supporters, the club could be compared with Boca Juniors, Corinthians, Barcelona, Real Madrid, River Plate, Club America, etc.
Also: All London based football teams ranked
Manchester United Rivalry
Manchester United holds a couple of fiercely contested rivalries in England and Europe.
The club holds some notable rivalries in the modern era of football against sides like Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds United.
Manchester Derby – Manchester United vs Manchester City Rivalry
This is one of the most excited English Football derbies in modern football. The two teams are currently some of the biggest in the country.
Although Manchester United are miles away from City in terms of pedigree, the number of trophies won and greater exposure dating back in history.
The two clubs are currently some of the biggest in world football today. Man City, since the takeover by City Football Group, has ensured a complete revamp of the club.
The new owners have further restructured the club to the status of one of the most successful in the last couple of seasons.
The derby between the two teams was first contested in 1881.
As of August 30, 2021, the teams have played 185 matches in all competitions. Manchester United have won 77, Manchester City 55, and 53 times have ended in a draw.
Man United boosted a record 66 major trophies during Man City trail behind with 28 major awards.
The two teams began meeting in the lower divisions and unto the Premier League.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Rivalry
Manchester United and Liverpool play a high profile inter-city rivalry in England. It is generally considered one of the biggest greatest football rivalries in the world.
The first time the clubs met was in April 1894 in a Football League test match that ended in Liverpool’s favour.
The two clubs stand out as the two most successful English Football clubs on the European and world stage.
Manchester United – The Red Devils have won three UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Europa League, one Super Cup, etc.
Liverpool – The Reds are the most successful English football club in Europe, with more titles.
Liverpool has won six UEFA Champions League titles, three UEFA Europa League, four UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
This also includes two-time trebles.
As of August 31 2021, Man United led the rivalry with 81 wins to Liverpool’s 68, while the remaining 58 matches ended in a draw.
Manchester United vs Leeds United Rivalry
The two times have a rivalry known as Roses rivalry or the Pennines derby.
The rivalry is a historic clash between Northern England and Manchester.
It is also a significant rivalry played between the two clubs.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Rivalry
Manchester United and Arsenal have met a considerable number of times in English Football history.
The two teams’ rivalry became tense at the beginning of the Premier League era.
The meeting between the two teams at the Manchester United home ground was known as the “Battle of Old Trafford”.
There was a tense rivalry between former managers of both clubs, Sir Alex Ferguson (United) and Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).
Manchester City
Manchester City football club is a professional football club based in Greater Manchester that competes in the English Premier League.
The club was founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton) and was changed to Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887, seven years later.
The club was officially known as Manchester City in 1894.
Also, Read Football clubs owned by Manchester City owners.
Club Summary
Name Manchester City Football Club.
Short Name: Man City, or simply City.
Nickname: City, Cityzens, The Citizens, The Sky Blues
Stadium: Etihad Stadium.
League: Premier League.
Most of the club’s success was achieved in the modern era of football in England.
Manchester City Trophies and Achievements

Manchester City won their first title with the FA Cup in 1904.
Although late in the 1960s, the club won the Premier League, European Cup Winners Cup, FA Cup and EFL League Cup.
Man City sent a message across the Premier League in 2019, winning four trophies.
Manchester City is one of the most successful teams in England based on the number of trophies won and is currently one of the most decorated sides in England.
Manchester City became the first football club in England to claim all major English trophies in a single season during the 2018–19 season.
Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the FA Community Shield in the 2018-19 season.
Premier League – Domestic
The Citizens won the Premier League in the old National Division twice, first in 1936–37 and 1967–68.
In the English Premier League era, Manchester City has won five titles making an overall seven trophies. The Cityzens won the title back to back between 2017–18 and 2018–19.
Manchester City is currently one of the most respected football clubs in England.
FA Cup – Domestic
Titles: 6
Manchester City has won six FA Cup titles.
Football League Cup / EFL Cup – Domestic
Titles: 8
FA Charity Shield / FA Community Shield – Domestic
Title: 6
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – International
Titles: 1 – (defunct).
Supporters (fan base)
Manchester City is also one of the most supported football clubs in England. Since the takeover by City Football Group, the club has gathered more fans globally.
This could be attributed to the club’s success in the domestic scene. The Cityzens won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the club’s only major European trophy.
In 2021, Manchester City played in the UEFA Champions League and ended as runners up, as they lost to a more resilient Chelsea side led by German manager Thomas Tuchel.
Manchester City’s fan base across the world is gradually increasing.
Although most of the club’s supporters are from the United Kingdom, the club still has a considerable number of followers in North America, Asia, Africa and South America.
Manchester City Rivalry
Manchester City vs Liverpool Rivalry
The Cityzens developed a notable rivalry with Liverpool FC, later considered one of the biggest football rivalries in the world.
Since the emergence of Pep Guardiola, the club have accelerated from a usually Manchester club to a globally recognised side in terms of the squad, individual player abilities, etc.
Liverpool and Manchester City rivalry was seen during the 2018-19 season, in which Man City edged The Reds to the Premier League title by a single point.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Rivalry – Greater Manchester Derby
The Manchester derby is one of the most significant local rivalries.
The two teams are situated a few miles away, competing in top English competitions, including the Premier League, EFL League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League on the continental level.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City vs Bolton Wanderers.
Manchester City vs Oldham Athletic, Stockport County.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, competing in EFL League One.
The club was founded in 1874 as Christ Church Football Club and was later named Bolton Wanderers in 1877, three years later.
The club won the EFL Championship, FA Cup as well as notable appearances in the UEFA Europa League.
Club summary
Name Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
Short Name: Bolton.
Nickname: The Trotters, The Wanderers, The Whites
Stadium: University of Bolton Stadium.
League: EFL League One.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, competing in League One.
The club won the FA Cup. Wigan Athletic participated in the UEFA Europa League.
Club summary
Name Manchester Wigan Athletic Football Club.
Short Name: Wigan.
Nickname: The Latics, The Tics.
Stadium: DW Stadium.
League: EFL League One
Other Football Clubs in Greater Manchester
Abbey Hey F.C, F.C. United of Manchester
Fletcher Moss Rangers F.C.
Maine Road F.C, Manchester Central F.C.
Manchester City W.F.C, Manchester North End F.C, Manchester United W.F.C.
Northern Nomads F.C, Northwich Manchester Villa F.C, Salford City F.C,
West Didsbury & Chorlton A.F.C.
Wythenshawe Amateurs F.C.
Wythenshawe Town F.C.
Competition – Manchester United vs Manchester City in Greater Manchester
When it comes to football in Greater Manchester, the competition only lies between Manchester United and Manchester City.
The other smaller clubs that could be considered are Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers, the two clubs also have Competitions at the highest level in the past.
The two clubs are uniquely connected even though they have different philosophies, traditions and pedigree.
In today’s football, the two clubs are consistently ranked in the top 10 of any football list, including the best in England, Europe and the world stage.
Sir Alex Ferguson took the club to Greater heights taking up from where Sir Matt Busby stopped.
Ferguson started slowly but turned the club to its current status as a global brand and one of the most valuable football clubs in the world alongside Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, etc.
For Manchester City, the departure of Manuel Pellegrini, who paved the way for the club’s Premier League success in the modern era after the City Football Group takeover, brought a legendary Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola took over the helms of affairs at the club.
Announcing his entrance to the scene, Guardiola brought some of the most prominent players, especially from the French Ligue 1, to help in his new revolution.
Guardiola defied the odds to lift back to back Premier League titles, totalling about four English Premier League titles in five seasons which stands as a remarkable achievement.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson achieved more compared to Pep Guardiola, the Spanish tactician was able to turn Manchester City into another global brand.
Today, Manchester City is one of the most followed football clubs globally.
In terms of ranking the best football clubs on the planet, Manchester City will not fail to fall into the top five teams.
The two Manchester clubs have achieved more in the Premier League era.
United lead the all-time best club in Greater Manchester with UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup, Intercontinental Cup, etc.
These achievements are miles away from Manchester City, which has only won major domestic trophies, including the Premier League, EFL League Cup, FA Cup, and FA Community Shield.
Although Manchester City came close to winning the Champions League in 2021 but lost to fellow Premier League side Chelsea in the final.
The Fame brought to Greater Manchester
Success in English Football
Man United
Manchester United have enjoyed more success in England. The Red Devils have won a record 20 Premier League titles.
On the list of all-time most successful winners of the Emirates FA Cup, United are seconds on the list behind Arsenal.
In the EFL League Cup and the FA Community Shield, the red devils have also won many titles.
Manchester United remain the most successful team in the history of the FA Community Shield with over twenty-one titles which is currently a shared record.
Man City
The Cityzens are not minnows when it comes to the domestic scene.
Beginning from 2011–12 to 2020–21, the club has won five titles which brings the total number to seven.
The other two titles were achieved in the old National First Division era. Man City won its first league title in 1936–37 and a second thirty-one years later in 1967–68.
The club also won over seven EFL Championship titles.
In the FA Cup, Manchester City has enjoyed success on six occasions and has lost the title on five occasions.
The city holds a joint record regarding the number of EFL League wins. The Citizens have won seven titles.
Over six FA Community Shield currently lies in the club’s trophy cabinet.
Success in European Football
Man United
Of the two clubs from Greater Manchester City, United is the most successful in European football competitions.
The Red Devils have won more titles, making them the second overall best English football club in Europe behind Liverpool.
United won three UEFA Champions League, one Super Cup, one UEFA Europa League, and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Man City
Manchester City’s only European glory was the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1970.
The club came close to winning its first modern European title during the 2020/2021 Champions League final, which was lost to Chelsea.
Success on the world stage
On the world stage, Manchester United have won more titles than City.
United have won the FIFA Club World Cup once, which is a British joint record held with Liverpool.
Greater Manchester football clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, remain one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The two clubs, most especially United, have won more titles and are regarded as one of the all-time greatest football clubs in the world.
About Greatest Manchester City
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, United Kingdom.
Districts of Greater Manchester
City of Manchester, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, City of Salford, Trafford.
The Sports Culture in Greater Manchester
When it comes to sports culture in Greater Manchester, the main flashpoint would be the 2002 Commonwealth Games hosted by the city.
According to Wikipedia figures, the cost of the games was £200M and £470M for sporting facilities and local infrastructure to enable the games to run smoothly.
In history, the 2003 Commonwealth Games hosted by Manchester became one of the most significant and most expensive sporting events held in the United Kingdom.
When it comes to the most popular sports in Greater Manchester, Football leads the way and has eaten deep, becoming the second culture of people in the region.
The city is boosted by having some of the best football clubs globally, including Manchester United and Manchester City.
United leads the way in the all-time most successful team in England and globally.
The exploits of the two clubs have attracted top European football clubs to the city, including AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, etc.
The city played host to the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final at Old Trafford Stadium, home to Man United.
Other popular sports in Greater Manchester are Rugby, Cricket, Horse Racing, Athletics, Basketball, etc.