After the disappointment of relegation in 1974, United
wasted little time in plotting an escape route from Division
Two...
The Background: United won the opening four games
of the 1974/75 season to top the table, and headed the chasing pack
for the remainder of the campaign. Victory at Southampton had
secured United's promotion with three games to spare, and a draw at
Notts County in the penultimate game of the season assured the Reds
of heading up as champions. Thus, the final game of the season
against Blackpool was a no-strings attached affair; fun for
all.
The Occasion: A whopping 58,769 supporters crammed
into Old Trafford to say farewell to second tier football, and
Tommy Docherty's side turned on the style with a rip-roaring 4-0
win through goals from Stuart Pearson (2), Lou Macari
and Brian Greenhoff. At full time, jubilant United supporters
cascaded onto the field to join the Doc and his triumphant
players.
The Aftermath: United's return to the top flight
was sensational, topping the First Division for the opening two
months of the campaign and ultimately finishing third, behind
champions Liverpool and QPR. However, disappointment beckoned in
the FA Cup, where United were shocked by Second Division
Southampton in the final at Wembley.
"They always reckon that the Second Division trophy is the one
that nobody really wants to win. I don't take that view. We have
won against tough opposition and now we are back at the top. And we
haven't finished yet."
- Tommy Docherty