Aalborg - SJP - 7,734
Marshall, Craig, Clark, McGrath, Thompson, Iley, Robson B, Kettleborough, Bennett, Penman, Knox (Suddick) CHECK
Scorers: Suddick - Nielson
Not many bother to turn up to see the part-time Swedes and United have to battle back from a half-time deficit to save their embarrassment. Alternating between 3-3-4 and 4-3-4 the performance is sluggish and uninspiring and it is not long before the slow handclaps are heard. The unlikely star for United in a very poor performance is the transfer-listed Tommy Knox.
Carlisle - SJP - 6,007
Marshall, Craig, Clark, McGrath, Thompson, Iley, Robson B, Hilley, Bennett, Kettleborough, Suddick (McGarry) (Knox)
Scorers: Robson B, Suddick - Carlin, Hartle
Slow-handclaps and "rough verbals" are to be heard again as United's midfield and attack are very poor once more. Coach, Ron Lewin, believes the problems are due to a "lack of confidence".
Carlisle - Brunton Park - 10,000
Scorers: Robson B (2) -
Aston Villa - Villa Park - 17,673
Marshall, Craig, Guthrie, Burton, Thompson, Iley, Robson B, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers: McGarry - Chatterley
Position: 10th
Ron Guthrie (making his debut) and Ollie Burton deputise for the injured Clark and McGrath. Harvey adopts a 4-3-3 formation and this is successful in nullifying Villa's more attacking 4-2-4. There is not much class on display on a hot and muggy day in Birmingham, but United grind out a draw with an honest, workmanlike performance.
Sheff. Utd. - Bramall Lane - 15,188
Marshall, Craig, Guthrie, Burton, Thompson, Iley, Robson B, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers: McGarry (p)
Position: 5th
Harvey sends the same eleven out for the trip to Bramall Lane and after an undistinguished match United return with a welcome away win. Newcastle’s players run until they drop and it is a commendable team performance. Marshall is magnificent and McGarry scores from the spot fourteen minutes from time.
Tottenham - SJP - 35,780
Marshall, Craig, Dalton, Burton, Thompson, Moncur, Robson B, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers: Robertson, Mackay
Position: 13th
Guthrie and the influential Iley have joined the injury list and are replaced by Dalton, playing for the first time since he broke his leg in March 1964, and Moncur. United fight well but are outclassed and could have easily suffered a heavier defeat. Dalton is obviously rusty and Burton is injured again.
Sheff. Utd. - SJP - 21,876
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Kettleborough, Thompson, Moncur, Suddick, Bennett, McGarry, Hilley, Knox
Scorers: tbc (og)
Position: 10th
Man. Utd. - Old Trafford - 44,448
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Burton, Thompson, Iley, Suddick, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Knox
Scorers: Craig, McGarry - Best, Connolly, Law
Position: 12th
The Magpies are under-the-cosh for most of the game and the scoreline in no way reflects the Red Devils’ superiority. Newcastle are only saved from a much heavier defeat by stout defending, lackadaisical finishing and the woodwork.
West Brom. - SJP - 24,748
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Burton, Thompson, Iley (Knox), Bennett, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Robson
Position: 14th
United are deservedly beaten after a dire performance of deplorable ineptitude against struggling West Brom who had lost four out of five previously. Hundreds of angry fans, chant and shout as they swarm through the streets of Newcastle after the game. Policemen on foot and in patrol cars gradually disperse the trouble-makers.
Burnley (2nd) - SJP - 25,485
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Burton, Thompson, Moncur, Alderson, Bennett, McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers: McGarry
Position: 15th
United's fans are delighted to see Suddick reinstated and chant his name as the team warms up. He shows flashes of form, but Thompson is man-of-the-match with a blockbusting performance. Neither side get into gear and it is a very poor game which, after the break, gets progressively worse. Thousands stream out in the last fifteen minutes.
Leeds - Elland Road - 18,131
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Burton, Thompson, Iley, Suddick, Kettleborough, McGarry, Hilley, Knox
Scorers:
Nottm. Forest - City Ground - 21,732
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Kettleborough, Thompson, Moncur, Alderson, Bennett (Burton), McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers:
Position: 17th
Newcastle are completely outplayed and only a brilliant performance by Marshall prevents a much heavier defeat. United adopt a defensive approach from the start, but concede after only ten minutes to scupper their plans.
Linfield - SJP - 4,224
Scorers: Robson B (2), McGarry (2-1p), Burton, Guthrie, Suddick
Position: 16th
Fulham (21st) - SJP - 20,427
Marshall, Clark, Guthrie, Burton, Moncur, Kettleborough, Robson B, Noble, McGarry, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers: Noble
Position: 16th
Harvey rings the changes, but it has little effect in an awful game between two very poor sides. With United requiring a last gasp equaliser by Noble, the crowd resorts to jeering and mocking songs including “we’re going down in a sinking submarine” and “when the board goes marching out”.
Hearts - SJP - 5,256
Scorers: Robson B (2), McGarry (2-1p), Burton, Guthrie, Suddick
Position: 16th
Hundreds of chanting fans invade the pitch at the final whistle and hurl abuse at the directors box. Then move outside where they congregate outside the official entrance, throwing coins and other missiles and breaking windows.
Everton - Goodison Park -
Marshall, Craggs, Clark, Kettleborough, Moncur, Iley, Robson B, Bennett, McGarry, Suddick, Knox
Scorers:
Position: 17th
With the Toffees struggling to shake off some post European lethargy, a battling performance earns a point. Albert Bennett deservedly gives Newcastle the lead, but Everton wake up after the break and stout defensive play is required to prevent a defeat..
Arsenal - Highbury - 24,595
Marshall (Thompson), Craig, Clark, Kettleborough, Moncur, Iley, Robson, Bennett, McGarry, Suddick, Hilley
Scorers: Clark og
Position: 17th
Although Arsenal are only one place above United at the start of play, there is a significant gulf in class and the coasting Gunners stroll into a 2-0 half-time lead. Keeper Marshall is stretchered off after 74 minutes and Dave Hilley has to take over in goal. It is the eighth winless game.
Man. City - SJP - 16,523
Hollins, Craggs, Clark, Moncur, Thompson, Iley, Alderson, Bennett, McGarry, Suddick, Knox
Scorers: McGarry, Suddick
Position: 16th
The crowd votes with their feet and for the first three-quarters of the game, the missing thousands seem to have taken the right decision as neither side look capable of scoring. But goals from McGarry and Suddick bring a much needed victory.
Blackpool - Bloomfield Road - 21,202
Hollins, Craggs, Clark, Moncur, Thompson, Iley, Robson B, Bennett, McGarry, Suddick, Knox
Scorers:
Position: 17th
Any thoughts of a resurgence are firmly swept away on the Lancashire coast by bottom-placed Blackpool. Things start badly when 'keeper Hollins scores an own goal after only six minutes and United are 6-0 down within an hour. They simply fell to pieces in a disgraceful performance.
Sunderland - SJP - 57,643
Hollins, Craggs, Clark, Moncur, Thompson, Iley, Robson, McGarry, Davies, Hilley, Suddick
Scorers:
Position: 20th
Sunderland have made a worse start than Newcastle and are one off the bottom. Nearly 58,000 (almost four times the size of the last game) cram into St. James' to see Wyn Davies make his debut, but there is to be no instant fix as Sunderland canter to an easy victory that sees the Wearsiders leapfrog United who drop to 20th.
Man. City - Maine Road - 26,137
Hollins, Craggs, Clark, Kettleborough, McGrath, Iley, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Suddick, Allen
Scorers: Robson (p)
Position: 20th
United trail at the break, but Robson equalises with a penalty after defender Heslop saved his shot with his hands. Debutant Geoff Allen is very impressive. The match hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons as Mike Summerbee is sent off after chasing the referee down following his decision not to award a penalty. A Man City fan who tries to get to the referee is caught by two policemen and the man in black needs a police escort off the pitch. Mounted police later need to disperse a lynch mob chanting "we want the referee".
Liverpool (8th) - SJP - 36,920
McFaul, Craggs, Clark, Kettleborough, McGrath (Guthrie), Iley, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Suddick, Allen
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Dave Hollins was culpable for the goal at Maine Road and is replaced by new signing Iam McFaul. Despite the much improved performance, United have now fallen into the relegation places.
West Ham - Upton Park - 31,285
McFaul, Clark, Guthrie (Craggs), Burton, Moncur, Iley, Robson, Bennett, Davies, Suddick, Allen
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Sheff. Wed. () - SJP - 26,873
McFaul, Craggs, Clark, Burton, Moncur, Iley, Suddick, Bennett, Davies, Robson B, Allen
Scorers: Bennett, Davies, Robson
Position: 21st
Sheffield Wednesday's trip to Tyneside brings together two sides currently shipping goals. Despite missing a hatful of chances, United at last add some potency upfront. Davies finally breaks his duck and Pop Robson is the star turn.
Southampton - The Dell - 21,488
McFaul, Craggs, Clark, Burton, Moncur, Iley, Hilley, Bennett, Davies, Robson B, Allen
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Southampton take a while to get going, then in the last half hour they score twice and have a further three efforts disallowed for offside as United cave in again. Solid defence saved them in the previous campaign, but they are now shipping goals at an alarming rate.
Chelsea () - SJP - 32,529
McFaul, Craig, Clark, Burton, Moncur, Iley, Craggs, Bennett, Davies, Robson B, Allen
Scorers: Davies, Robson B
Position: 20th
The steadying influence of the returning Craig, the agility of McFaul and the prodigious aerial power of Wyn Davies combine to enable United to earn a creditable draw against second-placed Chelsea (who have yet to lose away from home). It is a hectic clash in which Robson equalises in the dying seconds.
Aston Villa (17th) - SJP - 25,406
McFaul, Craig, Clark, Burton, Moncur, Iley, Suddick, Bennett, Davies, Robson B, Allen
Scorers:
Position: 20th
Villa have lost seven out of nine away fixtures.
Leeds (10th) - SJP - 29,165
McFaul, Craig, Clark, Burton (Winstanley), Moncur, Iley, Craggs, Robson B, Davies, Hilley, Allen
Scorers: Craggs
Position: 20th
Leeds - Elland Road - 40,680
McFaul, Craig, Clark, Noble, Moncur, Iley, Robson B, McGarry, Davies, Hilley, Knox
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Tottenham - White Hart Lane - 27,948
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Moncur, Robson B, Noble, Davies, Iley, Robson T
Scorers:
Position: 22nd
The three new signings make their debuts whilst Marshall is recalled with McFaul, McGarry, Hilley and Knox making way. After initially matching their ninth placed opponents - with Iley prompting well - they finish the game ragged in defence and bereft of ideas upfront. The Magpies drop to the foot of the year's end table.
Burnley - Turf Moor - 17,369
Marshall, Burton, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, McGrath, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Iley, Robson T
Scorers: Bennett, Robson B
Position: 21st
The unsettled John McGrath returns from injury as Harvey looks to return to the formation that gained United promotion in 1964/65. Burton and Bennett are also recalled. Defending in numbers and playing on the break, United win on their travels for the first time since the opening day of the season and keep their first clean sheet for almost three months.
Nottm F - SJP - 37,079
Marshall, Burton, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, McGrath, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Iley, Robson T
Scorers:
Position: 21st
All three new signings play extremely well, with Elliot's "tigerish industry" making him man of the match.
Coventry - Highfield Road - 35,569
Marshall, Burton, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, McGrath, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Iley, Hilley
Scorers: Davies (3), Robson B
Fulham - Craven Cottage - 21,612
Marshall, Craggs, Clark, Elliott (McGarry), McNamee, McGrath, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Iley, Hilley
Scorers: Robson B
Position: 21st
United earn the wrath of the Fulham directorate for forgetting to pack an "away" strip forcing the Cottagers to change colours.
Everton - SJP - 31,214
Marshall, Clark, Guthrie, Thompson, McNamee, Iley, Robson B, Bennett, Davies, Hilley, Knox
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Reigning League Champions Everton are three goals to the good with only 18 minutes gone. The third goal sparks fighting at the Leazes End and as United fans react to mickey-taking by the Merseysiders, bottles and coins are also thrown on the pitch. Six fans are arrested and the four local youths are later fined £25 each. After the trouble the United fans sing "We're the best behaved supporters in the land". United do try and fight back, but the Everton defence is far too skilful for United's uncultured attacks.
Nottm F - City Ground - 45,962
Marshall, Burton, Clark, Moncur, McNamee, Winstanley, Robson B, Hilley, McGarry, Iley, Allen
Scorers:
Almost ten thousand fans made the journey to Forest for what was an all-ticket match.
Arsenal - SJP - 27,463
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Moncur, McNamee, McGrath, Robson B, McGarry, Davies, Hilley, Robson T
Scorers: Davies, Hilley
Position: 21st
Sunderland - Roker Park - 50,442
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Moncur, Robson B, McGarry, Davies, Hilley, Robson T
Scorers:
Position: 21st
Newcastle adopt destructive tactics which are negative, no-nonsense and crude and it makes for a very poor game. For an hour their tactics work until a risky overhead back-pass is intercepted and the dam is broken. Harvey says: "I think we can still struggle through".
Man U (2nd) - SJP - 38,203
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers:
Position: 21st
A battling performance in which the Magpies are unlucky to see a Noble effort disallowed for a marginal offside and a Davies header smack off the bar.
Blackpool - SJP - 30,568
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Robson B (2)
Position: 20th
The result lifts United above West Brom and out of the relegation positions, but Newcastle have played one more game.
Stoke (7th) - SJP - 39,408
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Noble (2), McNamee,
Position: 20th
Chelsea - Stamford Bridge - 26,388
Marshall, Moncur, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Noble - Baldwin, Tambling
Position: 20th
Despite an excellent performance from Iley, United slump again. Noble heads United in front, but the Pensioners turn the tables before the break.
Stoke - Victoria Ground - 17,802
Marshall, Moncur, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Robson B, Noble (Craggs), Davies, Hilley, Allen
Scorers: Robson B
Position: 20th
Iley is superb in defence in a match settled by Robson’s goal just before the break.
Leicester (8th) - SJP - 35,183
Marshall, Moncur, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Hilley
Position: 19th
United are one point above both West Brom and Aston Villa who both have a game in hand.
Liverpool - Anfield - 44,824
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Davies
Position: 19th
An unlucky defeat with third-place Liverpool scoring twice in the last 13 minutes after Wyn Davies had a goal disallowed. Harvey describes the decision as "diabolical".
Sheff Wed - Hillsborough - 25,007
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers:
Position: 21st
McNamee is the star as United hold out for a draw at Hillsborough. The result sees United drop back into the relegation places, equal on points and with a game in hand over Aston Villa (who are 20th).
West Ham - SJP - 38,863
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Burkett og
Position: 19th
With the rain pouring down, many terrace dwellers cover their heads with handkerchiefs. United show a determination that has rarely been seen this campaign. They have the Hammers’ Jack Burkett to thank for scoring the only goal when he is challenged by Robson.
Southampton - SJP - 42,426
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Davies, Noble, Robson B
Position: 19th
There is a decent turn-out for the crunch match against Southampton. With only three games left seven teams are still in danger of joining already relegated Blackpool. United are 19th and Southampton are one place and one point below them. The victory, coupled with a defeat for Villa at Old Trafford is enough to all but secure First Division safety. It is still mathematically possible for Villa to catch-up, but their goal average is significantly worse.
Leicester - Filbert Street - 13,951
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Davies, Noble
Position: 19th
SJP - 45,404
Scorers: Milburn
West Brom - Hawthorns - 19,928
Marshall, Craig, Clark, Elliott, McNamee, Iley, Bennett, Noble, Davies, Hilley, Robson B
Scorers: Noble
Position: 20th
Bournemouth - - 4,039
Scorers: Bennett (2), Davies, Robson B
Chelmsford City - - 2,220
Scorers: Bennett, Allen