The Cliff

The Cliff stands beside the River Irwell in Broughton, Salford. It began as a cricket and tennis ground before becoming the home of Broughton Rangers rugby league club in 1913. The ground hosted the 1920–21 Challenge Cup final, where Leigh beat Halifax. Manchester United bought the site in 1951 and used it as their main training ground until 1999. The club installed floodlights in the early 1950s, earlier than Old Trafford received them. The Cliff also saw Manchester United’s youth team play their first FA Youth Cup matches under those lights. The ground played a key role in Manchester United’s development. In 1952, the youth team beat Nantwich Town 23–0 in the FA Youth Cup, with David Pegg, John Doherty and Duncan Edwards each scoring five goals. Alex Ferguson later decided the site was too exposed for first-team training, leading to the move to Carrington in 1999. The Cliff still hosts academy sessions and has been used by the England national team. Plans for taller floodlights in 2003 were scaled back after local objections. Visitors find a modest sports ground with a single pitch and floodlights. The site remains quiet compared to Old Trafford, yet its history is visible in the stands and training areas. The River Irwell runs alongside, adding a calm backdrop to the activity. Salford rugby league side still uses it for training. The ground keeps the memory of Broughton Rangers alive, while Manchester United’s early stars honed their skills there.