<P> Mangnall created United's first successful side with a series of signings, eventually winning promotion in 1906 . They finished second overall and reached the quarter - finals of the FA Cup, beating holders Aston Villa (one of the most successful English teams of that era) 5--1 in the fifth round . Among these signings was Billy Meredith, the legendary winger who was probably the greatest player of that era . </P> <P> Ernest Mangnall managed to sign star defender Herbert Burgess, Alec "Sandy" Turnbull, and Jimmy Bannister after a scandal hit Manchester City and forced them to sell off most of their team . It paid off, and Manchester United won their first League Championship in 1908 . They even attempted to sign Australian rugby footballer, Dally Messenger, a man recognised by some to be the top footballer of any code in his day . The next year, FA Cup success would follow as they beat Bristol City in the final 1--0 . Sandy Turnbull scored the only goal and Billy Meredith was named man of the match . </P> <P> In 1908, John Henry Davies once again gave financial aid by lending £ 60,000, a huge sum at the time, to finalise the team's move to a new stadium at Old Trafford . They played their first game there on 19 February 1910 as Liverpool spoiled the celebrations with a 4--3 win in a close game . United finished that season fifth in the league . </P> <P> Ernest Mangnall's leadership brought United to their first successful era . They would be the first winners of the Charity Shield in 1908, and the League again in 1911 pipping Aston Villa on a tense last day of the season . The Charity Shield victory in 1911 would be the end of this era and Mangnall would leave the next year for Manchester City . </P>

Where did manchester united play before old trafford