FC United of Manchester Mount Trophy Challenge

The FA Trophy enters the Quarter Final stage today, with the pick of the ties being the ex-Football League club Torquay taking on the lowest ranked remaining team – FC United of Manchester.

The story of FC United of Manchester is one of football’s romantic tales.  It was formed in 2005 by unhappy Manchester United fans, who opposed Malcolm Glazer’s controversial takeover of the club.  Like AFC Wimbledon it is owned and managed by it’s supporters, which does appear to be a successful model for running a football club.  Their growth has been steady, they are well supported and will shortly open a fantastic new stadium at Broadhurst Park, where they will welcome the mighty Benfica for a friendly this Summer.

Today they make their first appearance in an FA Trophy Quarter Final, with aspirations of lifting the most prestigious of non-league football trophies.  They are likely to take 1000 supporters with them on the long trip to Torquay and they’ll hope to follow that up with a trip to Wembley for the Final.  What chance that FC United of Manchester and Manchester United could end up lifting both of English Football’s Premier Cups?!!