Following the sacking of Tommy Docherty Manchester United appointed Dave Sexton as manager.

After enjoying success with QPR and Chelsea, Sexton seemed the natural choice. He led United to an FA Cup Final in 1979 and second place in the First Division in 1980, two points behind eventual Champions, Liverpool.

The appointment seemed a good one. But the following season, 1980-81, saw United slip down the table to 8th position and crash out of the FA Cup in the fourth round, the UEFA Cup in the first round and the League Cup in the second round.

Despite winning the last seven games of the season, Sexton was sacked in 1981 because "the team's performance had failed to live up to the high standards of football entertainment expected of Manchester United".

Of that, there could be no argument. The football played by Sexton's teams compared to those of Busby and Docherty was markedly different...dull, in fact.

During his tenure as manager, Sexton broke the Old Trafford transfer fee record four times. He signed Joe Jordon from Leeds United for £388,888 (including League levy), Gordon McQueen also from Leeds United for £450,000 (plus £45,000 League levy), Ray Wilkins for £700,000 (excluding levies) and Garry Birtles for £1.25 million.