Though previous seasons had seen recognised competitive fixtures, the first game the club played in a major competition still recognised today was during the 1886/87 season. The Football League was still some way off forming but Newton Heath entered the FA Cup.

Controversy followed – meanwhile, the club once more made the final of the District Cup, losing out to West Manchester.

FA Cup

They were drawn away to Fleetwood Rangers in the first round, and played out a close encounter that finished in a 2–2 draw; both of the Heathens’ goals were scored by  Jack Doughty. The referee had turned up to the match expecting to play a period of extra time if the match had finished in a draw, but Newton Heath’s captain, Jack Powell refused. Fleetwood complained about the incident to the FA, who then awarded Rangers the tie. Following a protest to the FA which was unsuccessful, Newton Heath then went into a self-imposed exile from the FA Cup, not entering again until 1889.

Date	Round	Opponents	H / A	ResultF – A	Scorers	Attendance
30 October 1886	Round 1	Fleetwood Rangers	A	2 – 2	J. Doughty (2)	2,000

Manchester and District Challenge Cup

 

Date	Round	Opponents	H / A	ResultF – A	Scorers	Attendance
12 February 1887	Round 1	Hooley Hill	H	7 – 0	E. Davies, Whatmough, Burke, Gotheridge (2), Unknown (2)
19 February 1887	Round 2	Gorton Association	H	11 – 1	E. Davies (2), Whatmough, Burke, Wright, J. Davies (2),Gotheridge, J. Doughty, Bates, Own goal
19 March 1887	Round 3	Gorton Villa	H	8 – 0	J. Doughty (3), Wright, Bates, Gotheridge, H. Davies	6,000
2 April 1887	Semi-final	Ten Acres	Hurst	1 – 0	R. Doughty	7,000
23 April 1887	Final	West Manchester	Whalley Range	1 – 2	Gotheridge	4,000