Once out of the league, the club couldn't simply walk back into it when they changed their mind.
They had to start in the lower league and work their way back to the top.
Now ... Alan Pardew has revealed that United’s second string may quit the Premier League reserve league at the end of the season.
The Newcastle boss was considering taking the development squad out of the league and playing friendly games instead.
“We’re looking at that closely, that league,” he said.
”We want to make sure we get the best out of it.
“If not, we’ll have to change it.”
Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all have reserve sides in the Premier League reserve league ... so what does Pardew know that they don't?