The OT Story: 1931-1962

United were at a perilously low ebb as the 1930s dawned.

While the worldwide economic depression kicked in, the Reds were on the verge of bankruptcy and the team, not up to much, was getting worse. Old Trafford could no longer claim to be the top club ground in the country, having been made to look increasingly ordinary by plush developments at the homes of enterprising rivals.

But just as oblivion beckoned, United were saved by the intervention of local benefactor James Gibson. He couldn’t prevent relegation from the top flight at the end of a dire 1930/31 campaign, but his cash and his confidence heralded a new era epitomised by the much-needed covering in 1934 of the popular United Road terrace, now the site of the majestic North Stand.

The club consolidated all through that decade. United returned to the First Division and, by accommodating 76,962 spectators for Wolves’ FA Cup semi-final victory over Grimsby Town in March 1939, confirmed Old Trafford's renaissance. That also set a record attendance for the ground that still