Manchester United were originally founded as Newton Heath LYR FC in 1878.
The ‘LYR’ element stands for Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, as it was the carriage and wagon department of the company that formed the team at the Newton Heath depot.
The team mostly played against other departments’ rail companies, until 1880 when they recorded their first match against Bolton Wanderers reserves.
Urban legend suggests that LYR’s company colours were green and gold, and so that is the reason the colours were incorporated into early kits, but United say there isn’t definitive proof this was the reason.
By 1902, Newton Heath had become Manchester United, and the famous red shirts were adopted.
United’s 1992-94 away kit made reference to these original colours and has become a Premier League design classic and retro favourite among fans.
By referencing these original kit colours, fans are hoping to signal their unhappiness at the direction of the club under the current owners.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
