Has Manchester United Ever Been Relegated? The Full History
Yes. Manchester United have been relegated from England’s top division five times. Their latest relegation was in 1974, and they returned to the top flight after just one season in the second tier.
The number can cause confusion because the club was known as Newton Heath when its first relegation occurred. That early demotion is still part of Manchester United’s official football history.
How many times have Manchester United been relegated?
Manchester United’s five top-flight relegations happened in these seasons:
| Season | Club name at the time | What happened next |
|---|---|---|
| 1893–94 | Newton Heath | The club was relegated from the First Division. |
| 1921–22 | Manchester United | United dropped into the Second Division and returned in 1925. |
| 1930–31 | Manchester United | The club was relegated during the financial difficulties of the early 1930s. |
| 1936–37 | Manchester United | United went down but won promotion back to the top division the following season. |
| 1973–74 | Manchester United | United were relegated from the First Division and promoted again in 1975. |
When were Manchester United last relegated?
Manchester United were last relegated at the end of the 1973–74 season. They finished in the relegation places and dropped into the Second Division, ending a long spell in England’s top division.
The season is also remembered for Denis Law’s goal against United for Manchester City at Old Trafford. The backheel helped confirm United’s relegation, although other results and the club’s poor campaign had already left them in serious danger.
United responded immediately. Under manager Tommy Docherty, they won promotion in the 1974–75 season and returned to the First Division. This is why the answer to “has Manchester United ever been relegated?” is yes, but the club has not suffered a top-flight relegation since the 1970s.
Have Manchester United ever been relegated from the Premier League?
No. Manchester United have never been relegated from the Premier League since the competition began in 1992. Their five relegations all took place before the Premier League era, when England’s highest division was called the First Division.
United were therefore a founding member of the Premier League and have remained in the competition ever since. Their record is different from clubs that have moved between the Premier League and the Championship several times.
Why do some sources give a different number?
Most historical records state that Manchester United have been relegated five times. Some shorter summaries mention only four relegations because they begin the count after the club changed its name from Newton Heath to Manchester United.
Counting the 1893–94 demotion is historically appropriate because Manchester United is the continuation of Newton Heath. Including that season produces the widely accepted total of five relegations: 1894, 1922, 1931, 1937 and 1974.
Manchester United relegation record: quick answer
- Total top-flight relegations: five
- First relegation: 1893–94, when the club was Newton Heath
- Most recent relegation: 1973–74
- Premier League relegations: none
- Most recent promotion to the top flight: 1974–75
