[5][6] Founded in 1962, the club competed in the I-League,[7] then top tier of Indian football league system, before closing down at the end of 2009–10 season.

[11] Nicknamed "Jeepmen",[12] the club was popularly referred as India's MU after the English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United.

[22] The club later became Durand Cup champion in 1998,[23] under coaching of legendary football manager Syed Shahid Hakim,[24][25][26] and went on to clinch the title again in 2001–02.

Mahindra were crowned champions of NFL Premier Division for the first time in club's history in the 2005–06 season, with two games to spare.

In the 2006 edition of IFA Shield, Mahindra United emerged as champions, defeating Mohun Bagan AC by 1–0 in Kolkata.

[50][51] During the existence and playing days, Mahindra United shared rivalry in the NFL, predominantly with fellow Mumbai-based club Air India.

Ruzbeh Irani, executive vice-president of the club, said: "It was in line with our group's philosophy and shift, from taking part in professional sport to developing it.

"[67] Due to the dysfunction of Mahindra United, the All India Football Federation allowed AIFF XI to take part in I-League directly.

[38] On international level, Mahindra United achieved success through lifting the 2003 POMIS Cup trophy in the Maldives, beating Club Valencia 3–1.

[78][79] They also became the first Indian club to reach the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Cup, but their journey ended with an aggregate 4–5 defeat to Lebanese side Al-Najmeh SC.

The following players of Mahindra United either represented their respective countries in senior/youth international level or appeared with the club in top-tier domestic league of India.

[159] The U-15 team played Manchester United Premier Cup Asian Qualifiers held at Kolkata, where top NFL clubs also participated.

[174][175] Two of the club's notable players are Sameer Dad – who represented India at the 1998 Asian Games and 1998 Men's Hockey World Cup,[176][177] and Baljit Singh Dhillon – who appeared at the Summer Olympics.