Imagine Pep Guardiola after quitting Manchester City to join Manchester United. The outcome in this case would be catastrophic, as the meltdown, anger, and protest from both set of fans would create an extremely intense situation.
It is absolutely unimaginable for any such rival clubs to be managed by the same manager, as the response would be fierce. However, fans of both the Manchester sides would be shocked to know that there was a person who managed both the clubs.
Let us look back at the managerial career of Ernest Mangnall, the only man to have managed both the Manchester clubs.
From Burnley to Manchester
After a 3 year managerial stint at Burnley, Mangnall was hired as the third secretary of Manchester United. This was a time when the term "manager" was not used at the club, and hence the term secretary. He was also the second secretary to be appointed after the club changed their name from Newton Heath.
Mangnall's time at United saw him lead the Red Devils to their first ever League title win in 1908. Their historic First Division win was also the first ever major trophy won by the club. Mangnall added yet another league title, an FA Cup, and 2 Charity Shield titles to his trophy cabinet at United. All these feats made him the third most successful manager in United history.
All these achievements were easier said than done though, as United were playing in the Second Division when Mangnall joined them. After narrowly missing out on promotion during his first two seasons, Mangnall finally led United to a second-placed finish in his third season. This was enough for the club to be promoted to the English top-flight.
It was after their promotion that United truly reached to a whole new level. While their debut season in the First-division finished in a mid-table spot, the next season blew away all expectations.
Mangnall led his men to an outstanding league victory in 1907–08, as United finished with a 9 point lead over runners-up Aston Villa. The following season saw United finish below mid-table, but they ended up winning the FA Cup. This was followed by yet another League title win in the 1910-11 season, which was their last for over 40 years.
The next season was his last in charge at the club, as he jumped ship to join rivals Manchester City.
The City years
Ernest Mangnall shocked the English footballing world by directly joining United's rivals Manchester City. Ironically, his final match as United manager was also against the Citizens. The match ended in a 1-0 City win at Old Trafford, and the media focused on Mangnall's delight.
His time at City lasted for till years from 1912 till 1924, even though interruption from World War I meant that he only covered 8 seasons with City during his tenure. Despite the complications due to War, Mangnall did find success with the Citizens in wartime regional tournaments.
Mangnall's most successful season at Manchester City was during the 1920–21 campaign, which saw them finish as runners-up in the First Division.
As we look back through football history, Ernest Mangnall is widely seen as one of the most important people in Mancunian Football history. He is widely seen as the instigator behind United's move to Old Trafford and City's move to Maine Road. To date he remains as the only historical managerial link between both arch rivals of Manchester.
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