In the 1912/13 season United finished in fourth position but after this season United went into a gradual decline. This saw them relegated in the 1921/22 season. United hoped to return back to the top flight in the first attempt but defeats by Blackpool and Leicester City meant United had to spend another season in Division 2. Full of optimism for the forthcoming season, United were expected to get promotion but a poor showing of form saw them in fourth position.

The following season United managed to return to the top flight. They finished runners up to Leicester City, losing one home game all season. In the first season back, United finished a respectively nbinth position. They were only nine points behind Herbert Chapman's Huddersfield Town.

Six seasons later United slipped out of the First Division once more. This was to be the worst period in the club's history. Due to poor transfer acquisitions, United was on the verge of bankruptcy. In the Christmas of 1931, United were unable to pay the players' wages. United were saved - by local clothing manufacturer James W Gibson. He invested heavily into the club to meet players' wages and pay off debts. After a short while on the Board he became club chairman.

At this point United needed similar on the field of play. Scott Duncan was appointed as United's new manager in July 1932. United only finished sixth and had to stay in the second division once more. Two seasons later United finished in their lowest league position ever, 20th. This scare motivated the playing staff and United finished in fifth position.

The following season United won the title by a clear four points. United were they yo-yo team of the decade. They were then relagted back to Division Two. At the first attempt United managed to get back to the Top Divison. United finished fourteenth and the club were back were they belonged in the top division. As United were getting back into some kind of rhythm all league football was suspended for the duration of World War II.