Born in Bolton, Ernest Mangnall became Manchester United's first 'proper' manager in 1903. Previously he had worked as a Director at Bolton Wanderers.

After two successful seasons at Bolton, he moved to Burnley as secretary-manager in 1899. While at Burnley he helped them through the worst crisis in the clubs history.

Devoid of almost any cash, Burnley were facing extinction, but Mangnall rescued them, mowing the pitch himself to save money and at one point going without pay.

Mangnall left Burnley to take up a similar role with Manchester United in October 1903. United had struggled for 11 years to gain promotion to the First Division but to no avail. Within two seasons Mangnall took them up.

Two seasons later and Manchester United were Champions. The following season (1908-09) Mangnall won the FA Cup with United and in the season after won the Championship for the second time.

Mangnall was the first manager to win the Charity Shield in 1908 and he repeated the feat in 1911.

In 1912 though, his time at Manchester United came to an end. His success had been noted around the country and he was in high demand. And on August 21st 1912 it was announced Mangnall would be leaving Old Trafford...to go across town to Manchester City.

Mangnall spent 13 years with City before being released from his contract in 1924 and retiring.