1974/75 Season - January
Summary
A disastrous month saw United thrashed twice in the League and suffer yet another giant-killing in the FA Cup. They ended January in 10th.
It all started so well. United were drawn at home to Man City in The FA Cup 3rd Round, but the FA had decreed that we must play all our matches away from home as a punishment for the Forest invasion. The match kicked off at 3.15 to avoid "traffic chaos" due to Man Utd also playing at home.
Over 10,000 fans travelled to Maine Road to see United pull off a brilliant "commando style" raid; with dogged defending and a two goal salvo in a minute securing their passage in fiercly physical game. If the match had been drawn the replay would also have been played at Maine Road.
In the League United were involved in a crazy game with struggling Spurs at SJP. United dominated the game throughout but Spurs scored from all of their five chances to register a 5-2 victory. Pat Jennings performed brilliantly in goal for Spurs, but United also had four cleared off the line and hit the angle of post and crossbar. Debutant Alfie Conn registered four of the goals.
A week later and United were back at Maine Road where increasing bad blood between the sides led to a bad tempered game. A second half collapse saw United thrashed 5-1 with Dennis Tueart becoming the fifth opponent to score three or more goals past Mcfaul during the campaign.
Rodney Marsh was not one of our favourite opponents. He had described Macdonald as a "glory side full-back" and appeared to punch Burns during a first half scuffle. The incident causing a furious Harvey to storm into the referee's room at half-time.
The final death knell for Harvey's thirteen year reign came on the mud bath of Fellows Park where United slumped to a single goal defeat against Wallsall. United mistakenly tried to play a passing game on the glue-pot pitch and were not prepared to fight for their right. Jimmy Smith had a "heated exchange" with Burkinshaw when he was substituted.
The directors announced that Harvey would be moving "upstairs" and that they would be advertising for an "Assistant Manager" Despite the job title it was stated that he would have and expectations were that United would go for a "big name". Significantly there was no mention of coach Burkinshaw and it was assumed (correctly) that he would also be on his way.