37
MICHAEL CARRICK
2006–2018A big-money purchase from Spurs, Carrick
won an impressive 17 major titles with
United, proving a vital cog in the midfield
engine room, though he could also step back
into defence more than adequately when
required. Always calm and seemingly
blessed with time, he would frequently
control even the highest-pressure games.His death in the Munich air
disaster prevented us from
seeing just how good Whelan
might have become, but at 22
he had already played 95 times
for Unite d, scoring 52 goals, and four times
for the Republic of Ireland. A skilful winger,
Whelan had tricks-a-plenty but end product
too as he glided past opponents.“HE MADE HIS DEBUT FROM THE
BEnCH In A 4-0 WIn”
38
LIAM ‘BILLY’
WHELAN
1953–1958
A hard-tackling, combative midfielder,
Crerand was an important figure in the
mid-1960s team when his perceptive
passing and endless running kept
everything ticking over for the superstars
up front. Later assistant manager to Tommy Docherty
and then a regular at club TV station MUTV, Crerand is
United through and through.36
PADDY CRERAND
1963–1971
Part of the long-standing tradition of
exciting wingplay at Old Trafford, Coppell
was a highly regarded right wing whose
speed and work rate were a major asset in
the years of only moderate success. A
Liverpudlian, Coppell initially played for lower league side
Tranmere Rovers so he could continue his education via
an economics degree. But the wages Unite d offered him
were too good to turn down, and he made his debut
from the bench in a 4-0 win over Cardiff City on 1 March
1975 – Unite d were in Second Division that season. A
horrific knee injury suffered while playing for England
against Hungary all but finished his career at just 28.35
STEVE COPPELL
1975–1983
34
PAUL MCGRATH
1982–1989McGrath rose from a difficult background,
which included time in foster care and an
orphanage, to become a truly great
defender. He had power, pace and touch
and was equally assured in the air and on
the ground. The fact he looked in control all the time on
the pitch provided a stark contrast with his time off it,
where he needed alcohol to ward off his shyness and
dislike of the limelight. A combination of alcoholism and
knee surgeries led to Ferguson selling him to Aston Villa,
where he later reunited with Ron Atkinson and had a
successful ‘second’ career, culminating in him winning
the 1993 PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award.39
SAMMY MCILROY
1971–1982Irishman McIlroy was Sir Matt Busby’s last
signing, making his debut in the 3-3 draw in
the 1971 Manchester derby, scoring one and
creating the other two. Initially a striker, he
reinvented himself as an attacking
midfielder, and his longevity at the club
owed much to his versatility.Images
Getty Images
THE
STORY OF
MAn UTD