While countless history books have been written about Manchester United over the decades, not many have told the club’s incredible story in a way specifically for younger readers.
A new official title, however, does exactly that.
Entitled United Chronicles, the 142-page kids’ publication details the Reds’ journey from humble beginnings in the 19th century, to giants of the global game. The book’s editor, club journalist Paul Davies, explains how the idea came about.
“Back in 2023, my kids, who were seven and nine at the time, asked me if I could get them a book about the ‘story of United’,”
he says. “I had a look online but couldn’t find any that were suitable for their age, which alerted us to there being a hole in the book market that we needed to fill!”
From those early muddy pitches to the bright lights of Old Trafford, covered across 30 fast-paced chapters, United Chronicles takes readers on a thrilling journey through more than 140 years of unforgettable moments, legendary players, and era-defining triumphs.
“Last year we launched the United Heroes book – telling the career stories of 30 of the greatest players and managers from our men’s and women’s teams,”continues Paul. “That book was really well received, and we see this as an accompanying sister book covering the team rather than just our most celebrated individuals.”
Each chapter explores a key phase of the club’s history, such as the rise of the fabled Busby Babes of the 1950s. The new book explains why they were so loved, what made that team so special, but also recalls the awful tragedy that befell them in Munich.
It then details the rebuilding that followed and revels in European glory that, just a decade on, proved that United’s spirit could never be broken.
“It’s for good reason that Manchester United’s history has often been referred to as the ‘greatest story in football’,”Paul adds. “It was no given that the club would recover from the Munich Air Disaster, so to win the European Cup just 10 years later with players and staff who had survived the crash was an incredible thing.”
That 1968 win is an amazing story of triumph after tragedy, and such a huge part of our history and DNA as a club, but it’s just one of several formative eras covered in United Chronicles.
“Some chapters focus on a whole era, while others focus more closely on some of our greatest ever seasons – like the Treble in 1999,” Paul explains. “And it’s all written in language that youngsters can easily understand. Our aim is to help them appreciate why our club is so special, so unique.”
Packed with these gripping stories, fun facts, and a treasure trove of memorable moments, United Chronicles makes history feel fresh, exciting, and full of energy. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 13, this is not just a book – it’s the fascinating story of a club like no other.