At the tender age of just 17, Rutherford became the club's youngest ever scorer and youngest ever debutant.
He went on to become a celebrated attacker, earning international recognition with England before he was 20, and scoring 94 goals in 336 appearances for the Magpies.
Rutherford was one of United’s most outstanding forwards of any era and enjoyed a 23-year playing career, not retiring until his 40s.
He began as a centre forward but switched to the right wing as the 1903/04 season began.
For 12 seasons as a United regular, the popular Tynesider roared up and down the touchline in fine style, boasting a mesmerising body swerve as well as great speed and control to bamboozle opponents.
He was superstitious too, always wanting to be the last man down the tunnel coming out on to the field.
He later moved to Arsenal, where he would become the club's oldest ever outfield player - a record which still stands.
His great-grandson, Greg, won Olympic Gold for Team GB in the long jump at the 2012 Games in London - natural athleticism clearly running in the family.