This question is archived — kept for old links, not on the active catalogue. See the four active myths →

How long are United's longest runs?

  1. The runs that matter

    United fans measure greatness in runs — and the record still starts with the 33-match unbeaten stretch that carried the Treble. Straight wins peaked at 14; they once scored in 34 in a row.

    1. 1998Unbeaten33 matches without defeat26 Dec–26 May — the run every other run is judged against.
    2. 1904Winning14 straight winsWhen the machine was at its most ruthless.
    3. 2011Scoring34 matches finding the netAttack as habit, not accident.

  2. Answer

    Longest unbeaten run: 33 matches without defeat (Dec 1998–May 1999 — the Treble season and beyond). Longest winning run: 14. Scoring streak: 34. Clean sheets in a row: 8.

  3. The evidence

    Unbeaten

    33without defeatDec 1998–May 1999

    Ended by a 1–2 defeat n Arsenal, Aug 1999.

    Winning

    14wins in a rowOct 1904–Jan 1905

    Ended by a 1–1 draw @ Bristol City, Jan 1905.

    Scoring

    34matches scoringMay 2011–Dec 2011

    Ended by a 0–3 defeat @ Newcastle United, Jan 2012.

    Clean sheets

    8without concedingDec 2004–Jan 2005

    Ended by a 3–1 win v Aston Villa, Jan 2005.

  4. Definition

    Show definition

    Consecutive official matches (friendlies and wartime excluded), in date order. 'Unbeaten' counts wins and draws; 'scoring' counts any match United scored in; 'clean sheet' counts matches without conceding. Each run links to the matches behind it.

  5. The matches

    Browse the record in order6,032 matches behind this answer

More answers

  1. Another question

    How did United win the Treble?

    The longest unbeaten run overlapped 1998-99.

  2. Another question

    How much of a fortress is Old Trafford?

    Home form builds and breaks most long runs.

  3. Another question

    Are United really the comeback kings?

    The recoveries that kept longer sequences alive.