Manchester United Books - The Ultimate Guide

Irish Devils; The Official Story of Manchester United and the Irish is an excellent book by John White telling the story of the love affair between the Irish and the Reds and the constant stream of both players and fans across the Irish Sea. There have been several books on this subject but this is probably the best of the bunch and highly readable.
Life with Sir Alex is a fan's story of following the Reds during United's reign. Will Tidey tells the story of the glory years from a personal perspective and many readers will be able to relate to his memories.
Manchester United; Thirty Memorable Games from the Fifties is another classy book from the pen of United buff, Iain McCartney. All of the legendary games are covered in all their glory, with great illustrations, and they are supplemented by accounts of many other key matches not usually mentioned. This type of book often rather lazily reproduce newspaper reports but that's not Iain's style. He can always be relied upon to bring a fresh approach. A special thanks goes to DB Publishing who have always done football fans a great service by producing such high quality books.
Manchester United's First Championship by Mark Metcalf is another offering from DB Publishing, and tells the story of United's first Championship success back in the days of Meredith, Bell, Turnbull et al. A match by match account of the 1907-08 season, coupled with pen pictures of players and officials.Some historic photos embellish this welcome addition to the United history bookshelves.
Fergie's Proteges. An ambitious undertaking by multi-talented James Mackie and his first book about football. This offering tells the story of the many players and coaches who have worked under and been influenced by Sir Alex. A total of 23 individuals, going back as far as his days in Scotland, are covered, in every aspect of their individual careers.
The Doc's Devils - Manchester United 1972-1977. Sean Egan has done a superb job in telling the story of Tommy Docherty's reign at United. This 580 page book is the definitive account of the Doc's teams, which went from the ignominy of relegation to Division 2 Champions to FA Cup Winners. Docherty's initial cautious approach may have been the most boring football seen at OT, but he then went on to produce exhilarating, swashbuckling stuff, which packed the place to the rafters. A terrific book.
Manchester: A Football History. We were hugely impressed by the first edition of this book which was released a couple of years ago, so we're delighted to see a second completely updated edition. A big book in every sense - 544 pages packed with masses of information about all of our local clubs. The story is told with clarity and enthusiasm and this is a must-buy for anybody who wants to understand the rivalries and the development of our local clubs. We doff our caps to its' author, Gary James!
Sod This, I'm Off to Marbella. A brilliantly written account of a sad part of the story of our wayward genius, George Best. This is an in-depth portrait of the years when it all went sour, 1971-3, written by respected journalist, John Roberts, who was given the job of shadowing George in those turbulent days. The book is a reworking of Roberts' rare book released in 1973, called "George Best: Fall of a Superstar" and it really captures the moment.
When George Came to Edinburgh; George Best at Hibs. Not directly related to United, but an engrossing story of the effect that our Superstar hero had on the Scottish Premier League and struggling Hibernian in 1979 & 1980. Recommended.
George Best & Me ; Waggy's Tale. George's closest friend from the Swinging '60's and early '70's, Malcolm Wagner, in conjunction with Tom Page, gives us the inside story of those heady and turbulent days which had such a massive influence on Manchester and the world of football.
Where Are They Now? 'United'. The latest in a series of books by Andy Pringle and Neil Fissler.. This is a terrific book which gives a brief biography of just about every United player of note, including their story after hanging up their boots. Very readable, very entertaining and totally engrossing. Good value and very highly recommended!
Tooting Common to the Stretford End; The Alex Stepney Story. Who will ever forget that moment in the '68 European Cup Final when Eusebio went one on one with our great goalkeeper? A United legend tells his story in his inimitable classy style.
Viv Anderson MBE. First Among Unequals. Viv was Alex Ferguson's first signing for United, the first black player to appear for England, and one of the first black managers in English football. A European Cup Winner with Forest, Viv appeared 69 times for United. His autobiography is written just as you would expect from this man - classily and intelligently.
Rooney's Gold. In the light of recent events, John Sweeney's book, released in the summer, is well worth reading. His warts and all account of Rooney's rise to fame gives an insight into Roo's relationship with his agent Paul Stretford and the major issue of money, which has tainted the life of this young superstar. Another chapter and an updated version is a must!
John Giles, A Football Man. The Autobiography. The life story of a Cup-winning Busby Babe who departed the Reds in 1963 to help take Leeds United to major honours. This frank account, pulls no punches, and gives an interesting insight into Matt Busby's management style..
The Management. Scotland's Great Football Bosses. Great Scottish Managers and United go hand in hand. Sir Matt, Sir Alex and the Doc immediately spring to mind and you can add Gordon Strachan, George Graham and Walter Smith to the ranks. This book, due out in October, promises an in depth profile of all of the top Scots with an analysis of their style, strengths and weaknesses. Should be a good read.
On Fire with Fergie; Me, My Dad and the Dons. You'll have to wait until Page 321 for any mention of the Reds but United fans, will enjoy and relate to this book, which tells the story of a young Aberdeen fan's love affair with his team and Alex Ferguson. Brilliantly written, this book is about adolescence, relationships, and the realisation of seemingly impossible dreams. It will strike a chord with just about every single football supporter, especially those who share their passion with their dads.
On the Road; A Journey through a Season. The story of 2009/10 from a fan's perspective. Daniel Harris is one of the huge number of fans who want the Glazers out so he chooses to boycott OT and follow United away from home. This is a match-by-match account of a different kind. His opinions and acid wit leap out to guarantee that every page entertains and stimulates the grey matter. You probably won't always agree with him but you will respect his arguments and enjoy his story. Nicely presented and reasonably priced.
Forever A Babe; Growing up with Manchester United. This is an engrossing book and a must for anybody who really wants to understand what makes United the legend they are today. Tom Clare tells of his childhood in a poor Catholic 'two-up, two-down' household in Chorlton-on-Medlock in Manchester, at the time that Matt Busby was nurturing his great Babes. Tom's grandfather had been a fanatic Red since the Newton Heath days, and he instilled in the young boy a passion which was all-consuming. Tom grew up watching the Babes as they emerged from the all-conquering youth team and he gives us a detailed account of that momentous period of United's history. This is a book which fills a big gap in the United library and it does it in a hugely enjoyable manner. Very highly recommended!
The Official Manchester United Yearbook 2010. The official story of 2009/10 on a match by match basis, giving all of the teamsheets, statistics and match details, covering all senior competitions, together with details of Reserves and Academy games. Click through to our 'Yearbook' page for details of all previous editions - and gloat about how many front covers have a picture of a trophy being lifted!.
The Story of our Season; The Official Players' Diary 2009-10. Another official publication covering the same season. Several of these 'Diaries' have now been produced. They tell the story of each match against the background of players' quotes and recollections. Easy readers which fit pretty well alongside the Yearbook and the various fans' accounts.
Confessions of a Highland Hero is a real surprise and very high on our list of 'must reads'. Steve Paterson made only 5 full and 5 subs appearances in 5 years at Old Trafford and this period is covered in the first 50 pages of the book but his story runs much deeper than that. We found his account of his worldwide travels and struggle with his addictions to gambling and drinking absolutely gripping to read, excellently written, with no sense of self pity. Buy it! Available in hardback and paperback
18 Times and That's a Fact. Another excellent account of a season from a fan's perspective. This time the record breaking 2008/9 season comes under scrutiny and Justin Blundell has carried on from where he left off with his previous book Destination Moscow. He brings each match to life with his humorous, informative style, linking the match with the news of the week. Brilliant stuff!
The Story of the Green & Gold. Newton Heath 1878-1902. Empire Publications have a great reputation as publishers of quality books on all aspects United and this is no exception. An in-depth history of Newton Heath Football Club, the foundation upon which the greatest club in World football was built. A remarkable piece of research presented in a very readable form by Charbel Boujaoude.
Old Trafford; 100 Years at the Theatre of Dreams. Iain McCartney has a strong reputation as an authority on United and this book is testimony to his knowledge. Terrifically well researched and beautifully illustrated, this is another classy offering from our friends at Empire Publications. A very welcome addition to the bookshelves.
The Official History of Manchester United; 1878-2010. The Full Story and Complete Record. The updated version of the official, definitive history of the Reds. A high quality book, beautifully illustrated and very well writtemn by Alex Murphy, hugely supported by Andrew Endlar, the Club's statistician.
A Photographic History of Manchester United; Unseen Archives. This is the latest in a series of books which specialises in letting the pictures tell the story. A well-presented coffee table book which will bring plenty of memories flooding back, even if you're old enough to have followed Newton Heath FC.
Savage! The Robbie Savage Autobiography contains 3 chapters on his early days at United alongside Becks, Scholsey, Neville and the "Fergie Fledglings". An interesting period in United's history narrated by an interesting and controversial character.
The Eddie Lewis Story; From Manchester to Soweto is the biography of one of the early Busby Babes. Eddie made his debut in 1952 and although he only played 24 games for the Reds (scoring a creditable 11 goals) his story sits alongside the likes of Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton. After finishing his English career he went on to contribute a huge amount to South African football.
The Goalie; My Story by Andy Goram offers one chapter on his short time at United but his autobiography is a very gritty, no holds barred story. Worth a read. Available in hardback and paperback
On a wing and a prayer. Searching for the real Steve Coppell. Stevie became a Red legend as part of the Doc's marauding 70's team, before injury cut his career short. Unfazed, he became the League's youngest manager at the age of just 28. This excellent biography by Stuart Roache tells his story
What's It All About, Ralphie: The Ralph Milne Story. Ralphie's career at United didn't quite match up to Steve's but he still made a lasting mark! Often the butt of jokes, many supporters still have a soft spot for a winger who played 30 games for the Reds and scored 3 goals. This candid autobiography devotes 50 pages to his spell at United and gives a very interesting insight into life under Fergie as he tried to change the heavy drinking at the club. Ralph's own drinking and injury problems are well covered and shed some light on why he didn't stay the course at Old Trafford. This autobiography is a warts and all expose and is a very good read. Now out in paperback as well as hardback.
The Manchester United Premier Years 1992-2010. This book, by Steve Brookes, gives us a potted history of United's huge success since the Premiership started. Opening with a brief history of the Club since inception, the book goes on to provide profiles of Sir Alex, two chairmen and 23 players before finishong with year by year squad lists and results.
Glory, Glory. Man Utd in the 1990's. Written by Andy Mitten, this is the story of United's most successful decade, told by interviews with the players themselves. Read... and be surprised.... at King Eric's favourite moment! Nicely illustrated and a great look back at a momentous Red Era.
We're the Famous Man United. Another book from Andy Mitten, in the same format as "Glory, Glory" but this time telling the players' story of the decade when a certain Scotsman rolled into Manchester to change the club forever.
Manchester United. A Nostalgic Look at a Century of the Club. Andy Mitten has certainly been busy. This is his pictorial compilation in the "When Football Was Football" Series produced by Haynes Publishing. A classy coffee table book with excellent photos, many rarely seen. Would make a nice gift for an older fan!
The Pocket Book of Man Utd. This book is an ideal gift or stocking filler. It's very nicely produced, and packed with a variety of facts and pictures. Look elsewhere for the serious histories but this book, now in its' second edition, nicely fits a niche.
Cantona: The Rebel Who Would Be King. A new biography of the Frenchman who is regarded by many as the catalyst who took United to the stratosphere. Philippe Auclair searches for the secrets of Le Dieu.
Looking for Eric. The book of the brilliant Ken Loach film starring the King
Complete Cantona: Every Game, Every Goal. The definitive record of his career, by Darren Phillips, who has also penned:
Complete George Best: the definitive record of the United legend's every game and every goal. Terrific research, which lays it out in detail.
Dwight Yorke; Born to Score: Party animal and hero of the Treble Team tells his story in a humorous and honest way. Available in hardback and paperback
Devil Worship - A Fan's Voyage. An excellent personal memoir from one of United's legion of overseas supporters. Kevin Leyland lives in Atlanta, USA, and his account of watching the Reds' 2008/9 campaign from a distance is enlightening, funny and passionate. Highly recommended.
United Nations? Around the Manchester United World in 80 games. Another book showing the Universe that is United. Tim Webber, a diehard Red, travels the World and tells the story of his encounters with fellow United fans in places as far flung as India, Vietnam, South Africa and Las Vegas. A cracking story, entertaining and very different to most 'fan's journals'
Manchester United, The Forgotten Fixtures is a big book written by a renowned expert on United, Iain McCartney, and is a detailed look at United's post-war fixtures, which haven't previously received much coverage.Testimonials, pre-season friendlies and other matches are given detailed write-ups in this well-illustrated tome from highly respected Breedon Books
Destination Moscow is a wonderful account of United's great season culminating in the capture of the European Cup and Premiership. Justin Blundell and Empire Books have come up with a highly entertaining format, which we count amongst the best accounts of a 'Red' season ever written. Don't miss out on this or another of Justin's follow up release 18 Times and That's a Fact.
Green Devils; The Irish and Manchester United by Keith Falkiner is an excellent work, beautifully illustrated and very nicely set out. It gives details of many of the legions of Irishmen who have been such a huge part of United's history.
Double Champions: The Players' Own Account of the 2007-08 Season. A season to savour, and who better to tell the tale again but the players.
Manchester United, The Biography is another book from the pen of Jim White, the author of previous gems such as "Are You Watching Liverpool?"
Manchester, A Football History is a big book telling a big story. The rich history of each of the Greater Manchester clubs is told here in detail in a superbly researched, detailed manner. United are a main feature alongside all the local clubs and even FC United of Manchester gets its' own slot.
Red Dawn is another book giving us an insight into where our great club has come from - covering the first three decades from Newton Heath onwards
Manchester United: The Complete Record. Must be the best ever United stats book ever printed - and a must to settle all those arguments!
Pally is the autobiography of a United legend, Gary Pallister.
Wilf McGuinness, Man and Babe is the long-awaited autobiography of the wonderful Busby Babe and diehard Red.
From Goalline to Touchline. The 1st autobiography by a member of the '48 Cup Winning Team tells Jack Crompton's story, United keeper & Trainer
Manchester United, Player by Player is the latest edition of the Ivan Ponting's definitive studies of United Players through the years. Excellent!
Match of My Life is another Ponting offering, in which he has put together the stories of many Red Heroes such as Bryan Robson & Frank Stapleton
Manchester United Ruined My Wife : David Blatt's story of the ups, downs & challenges of life as United fan. Easy to relate to and an enjoyable read.
Manchester's Finest tells the story of the Munich Aircrash and the Busby Babes in a vivid & enthralling manner, an excellent addition to the bookshelf
Bobby Charlton's two volume autobiography is a terrific account of the great man's life. One book covers his Red years and the other his England days
Owen Hargreaves life story cannot match the breadth of Sir Bobby's but his globetrotting as a youngster and beyond makes for interesting reading
Carlos Tevez; Welcome to Manchester. This book is packaged as a book about a City player, a bit ridiculous as there are almost 200 pages on his time with the Reds and less than 30 with the Blues. Not a bad read if you can swallow the dissatisfaction of his money making move across town.
Giggsy; The Biography. If you prefer to read about a true legend, who has devoted his life to one club this may be the book for you. Frank Worrall has written many biographies of United players. How many more chapters will the Welsh Wizard add before he hangs up his boots?
Nemanja Vidic; The Biography. Another Worral and John Blake Publishing offering, this time putting the big Serbian under the spotlight.
CELTIC UNITED looks at links & similarities between the Reds and Celtic
Lou Macari, Football My Life. Talking of Celtic United links, Lou Macari played for both of these British giants. This is his autobiography.
Manchester United FC; The Most Valuable Football Club in the World. The price of this book is ridiculously high so we've included it here for the sake of completeness only. We certainly won't be spending more than £50 to bring you a full review of a 248 page paperback!