Frank O'Farrell came to Manchester United as manager in June 1971 with a good pedigree of success with unfashionable clubs such as Torquay and Leicester.

His steady climb up the leagues made him an attractive prospect and it seemed as though the appointment was a good one as United began the 1971-72 season well.

Leading up to the new year they led the league but then things began to go wrong. United gradually slipped down the table and finished the season in eighth. One O'Farrell's best days work, however, was to sign Martin Buchan who went on to play 455 games for United.

The 1972-73 season did not begin well and it was clear that the stars of the '60s were past their best. The 1968 European Cup winners were no longer performing to that level and as they waned, so did the club.

On Tuesday the 19th December 1972 the Board of Directors issued the following statement:

"In view of the poor position in the League, it was unanimously decided that Mr O'Farrell and Mr Musgrove [first team coach brought by O'Farrell from Leicester] be relieved of their duties forthwith".

Many felt that O'Farrell should have been given more time to mould a team in his own image as he had inherited an ageing side. But it was not to be and O'Farrell was sacked.