GOALKEEPER - A native of Burton-on-Trent, was signed by United from Preston North End for £7,500 in 1947. Spectacular enough to make him popular with the fans, but is basically sound and few goalkeepers give more thought to their job. One of his idiosyncrasies is that he always takes to the field armed with several pairs of gloves. Height 5ft. 11.5in. Weight 13st.
RIGHT FULL-BACK - Born at Trimdon, County Durham, and discovered and developed by United during the war. For some time he was unable to command a regular place, but has now become almost an automatic choice. Biggest assets are his fearlessness and speed into the tackle, but is not always happy against the winger who persists in going through on the inside. Height 5ft. 7in. Weight 11st. 7lb.
LEFT FULL-BACK - Born at Throckley, Northumberland of a well-known North-East footballing family. Signed by United in 1943, he has by no means regular first team choice, but on his form this season has been preferred to Irish international, McMichael. Though at one time he fancied his chances as a forward, has now settled down to make an accomplished full-back. Height 5ft. 7.5in. Weight 12st. 2lb.
RIGHT-HALF - Captain of the team. A native of Doncaster, he first attracted attention with Bradford, from whom United signed him in October 1945, as the first step in their post-war reconstruction programme. Blessed with great stamina, he keeps going all the time both in defence and attack. At one time could be described as the rugged type, but these days is concentrating more and more on constructive play. Has proved great a skipper. particularly this season. Height 6ft. 0.5in. Weight 12st. 2lb
CENTRE-HALF - Born at Aunithill, Scotland, and played for Airdrieonians before United paid £8,000 for him in May. 1946. Since then has often been credited with carrying the team "on his back," and there certainly cannot be many footballers who have fewer poor games per season, Equally dominating in the air and on the ground. Height 6ft 2in. Weight 13st. 13lb
LEFT-HALF - A real local product, was born in Newcastle and discovered by United in 1943 when playing for Byker and Heaton. He rivals such players as Billy Wright for the amount of sheer hard work he gets through. A keen tackler and also aggressive in attack, particularly when coming in for a snap shot at goal. Height 5ft. 8in. Weight 10st. 5lb.
OUTSIDE-RIGHT - Another local discovery, being a native of Cramlington, Northumberland. Signed by United in 1941, at first alternated between the left and right wings, but is now established on the right. His ability with both feet stands him in good stead, especially when he cuts into the middle, a favourite move. Very fast, he has won several sprint handicap prizes. Height 5ft. 9.5in. Weight 10st. 7lb.
INSIDE-RIGHT - Born in Sunderland and one of the many products of Hylton Colliery Juniors, joined United just before the out-break of war. Has had many ups and downs in his career and as a result of irregular recognition has requested a transfer more than once. His clever work as a schemer this season, in all sorts of conditions, has refuted the contention that he was too small for heavy grounds. The brain behind United's attack. Height 5ft. 4in. Weight 9st. 2lb.
CENTRE-FORWARD - The hero of Ashington (his birthplace) and all Tyneside. Came to St. James's Park as an inside-left in 1945, was then converted to a winger, and more recently to centre-forward. Exceptional speed is his primary asset, but is also a very good shot, with the pivot-and-shoot move particularly productive of surprise goals. An England international. Height 5ft 11.5in. Weight 12st. 9lb.
INSIDE-LEFT - Born in Chile and played for that country in the World Cup at Rio. Has lived most of his life in Yorkshire and had a spell with Huddersfield before joining Barnsley, who transferred him and his brother Ted to Newcastle for £20,000 in 1949. His forceful play has made him a perfect partner for Taylor, both as an inside-forward and as leader of the attack. Good in the air and has a more than useful shot. Height 5ft. 9in. Weight 11st. 10lb.
OUTSIDE-LEFT - Glasgow born, he played for Third Lanark before being transferred to United for £18,000 in February, 1949. As a successor to Tommy Pearson has more than filled the bill, his tricky play having wrought havoc with many good defences. A master of ball control at speed, he is often United's most dangerous forward and would be more so if he got his crosses over sooner. Height 5ft. 11.5in. Weight 10st. 9lb.