50 Stock Exchange flotation, 1991
49 Thrashed by Barcelona, 1994
48 Betting scandal, 1915
47 Playing at home in Plymouth, 1977
46 Louis Edwards scandal, 1980
45 Whiteside's winner, 1985
44 MUTV launched, 1998
43 Signing of Rooney, 2004
42 Michael Knighton's juggling, 1989
41 Ray Wood's injury, 1957
40 Holders drop the FA Cup, 2000
39 Barcelona blown away, 1984
38 Docherty's affair, 1977
37 Giggs' weaving run, 1999
36 Comeback at Anfield, 1988
35 Kung-fu fighting, 1995
34 Agonising collapse, 1992
Nerves and a congested fixture list foiled United's pursuit of a first league title for 25 years. Defeats in late April at home to Nottingham Forest and away to West Ham United and a draw away to Luton Town, all in the space of five days, left Leeds United in pole position. The failure only added to the sense of exhilaration when the holy grail was finally reached a year later.
33 BSkyB's failed takeover, 1998
Fourteen years after Robert Maxwell proved unable to take control of United, Rupert Murdoch tried his luck and seemed to have got his way when the club recommended that shareholders accept BSkyB's offer. But, after the deal had been referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, the Department of Trade and Industry blocked it.
32 Robson signs, 1981
Ron Atkinson described Robson as "pure gold" when signing the England midfield player from West Bromwich Albion and the player repaid the compliment by helping to ensure United finished in the top four throughout the manager's five-year reign.
31 Fergie gives Beckham the boot, 2003
Angered by David Beckham's supposedly failure to mark an opponent when Arsenal scored in their FA Cup win at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a boot that flew at David Beckham, scarring his forehead. It symbolised the manager's frustration at the celebrity circus surrounding the player and Beckham was sold at the end of the season.
30 United turn on Wembley style, 1948
In what was considered one of the great FA Cup Finals, United beat Blackpool 4-2 to help create their reputation for stylish football that remains today.
29 Nike deal, 2002
The sportswear company agreed to give United £300million over the next 13 years, cementing their position as England's richest club.
28 Giggs swaps sides, 1988
Ryan Giggs played at Manchester City as a schoolboy but he was poached by United, who have been repaid with 15 years of flair, consistency and success.
27 Saints Day, 1976
United reached their first FA Cup Final in 13 years in 1976 when they met Southampton. While the game ended in a surprising defeat, it established United's habit of reaching this fixture - five times in ten years from 1976 to 1985 - just as the game was being shown around the world in more and more countries on television, thereby increasing their worldwide following.
26 United almost third rate, 1934
Only a last-day win away to Millwall saved United from relegation to the third tier. Such was their lowly status in the 1930s that just 3,900 watched the match against Middlesbrough in 1931.
The top 25 will no doubt be followed up.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2624171.ece