1974/75 Season - July/August
Summary
Before the big kick-off United won 2-0 at Queen of the South before playing three Texaco Cup games in a week. The competition had been revamped to start with regional groups and United faced Sunderland and Carlisle away before taking on Middlesbrough at home.
They lost against Sunderland in an occasion blighted by hooliganism and drew at Brunton Park, but made it through to the Second Round by thrashing Boro 4-0 in the final game.
There was also a busy start to the season with five games in the first two weeks. An opening day victory at home to Coventry in which new signings Burns and Keeley made their debuts was a "stroll in the sun" but Sheffield United took a point from St James'.
John Tudor bagged a brace at Molineux but four goals from Terry Hibbitt's brother Kenny brought a comprehensive and deserved defeat. Meanwhile "Supermac" - often criticised for laziness in training and during matches - vowed to put more effort in.
Another defeat at Bramhall Lane was followed by an easy victory over West Ham with Macdonald performing brilliantly in front of England coach Len Cocker.
It had been a reasonable start to the season but the impressive ten goal haul was matched by ten more conceded and questions were being raised about United's defensive frailties.