FA Cup final opposed Liverpool and Manchester United. It was more interesting duel, for Liverpool were the kings of England and Manchester United looked recovered and charging back to regain its leading place. Another 100 000-strong crowd furiously supporting their teams at Wembley, May 21st. Another tough, difficult game played to the last second.


Clemence, Neal, Jones, Smith, Kennedy, Hughes, Keegan, Case, Heighway, Johnson (Callaghan), McDermott faced Stepney, Nicholl, Albiston, McIllroy, B. Greenhoff, Buchan, Coppell, J. Greenhoff, Pearson, Macari, Hill (McCreery). Bob Paisley vs Tommy Docherty. Liverpool seemingly had the edge – they were in their prime when Manchester United appeared still unfinished, a team for the future, not quite the 'real thing' yet. But cup tournaments follow their own logic and in England names mean nothing. Person gave the lead to United in the 50th minute. Case equialized two minutes later. Then in the 55th minute Lou Macari shot, the ball arced over Clemence, ricocheted on Jimmy Greenhoff's chest and went into the net. No more goals were scored to the final whistle and Manchester United won the Cup.

The winning goal may have been a lucky one, but who cares when the ball ends in the net.

Lucky or not, the second goal led to Manchester United smiling with the Cup. Sorry, I am ManUnited fan and somehow never warmed to Liverpool, so to hell with cool objectivity: we won, what glorious moment!

To hell with objectivity from another quarter: six weeks after winning the FA Cup Tommy Docherty was sacked. Here he is smiling victorious... little he knew he had to take off the red shirt.

Here they are – Cup winners. Manchester United was coming back – not a bad squad, but rebuilding was not finished yet. At least the direction was right and a trophy did not hurt at all. The only trophy for the whole decade...