Tony Whelan was the first black player to play for Manchester United. Despite growing up as a Manchester City fan, Whelan was signed by United upon leaving school in 1968. He made steady progress through United's youth ranks until he was selected to go on the first team's pre-season tour of North America, aged just 17. On the tour he made several appearances, most notably against Eintracht Frankfurt and the Bermudan national team.
Whelan spent the rest of his career on the fringes of the first team and never made a competitive appearance for the club (the tour matches were all friendlies). He left United in 1973 and went on to play for numerous clubs in America and England including his childhood heroes, Manchester City. He rejoined Manchester United as a youth coach in 1998 and now works as the club's assistant academy director.
Remi Moses was the first black player to make a competitive appearance for the club, making his debut on the 12th of September 1981 against Swansea City. He also became the first black player to score for the club, doing so in his debut season. Moses went on to make 150 first team appearances for united, scoring 7 goals.
Whereas Tony Whelan was the first black player to make an appearance for the club, where he played in several friendly matches on a North American tour. Remi Moses was the first black player to make a competitive appearance for the club - doing so in 1981.
