Willie MORGAN

Willie Morgan joined Manchester United, the newly crowned European Cup Champions, in 1968 for £117, 000 from Burnley. Initially a right midfielder, he made his debut in a 3-1 win against Spurs at Old Trafford. His first goal came in the bitterly fought second leg of the World Club Championship against Estudiantes de la Plata of Argentina. Nobby Stiles had been sent off in the first leg, which United lost 1-0, and one from either side were dismissed in the return game. Despite Morgan's goal, United could only manage a draw and the tie was lost 1-2 on aggregate. Goals from Morgan in cup games later on in the season against Birmingham City and Rapid Vienna helped the team to the FA Cup 6th Round and European Cup Semi-Final respectively, however, defeats to Everton and AC Milan ended their hopes of silverware in what was to be Sir Matt Busby's final year as manager.

Wilf McGuinness took over, however, the ageing great team of the 60s struggled to challenge in the league as one by one they departed. McGuinness rang the changes but to no avail. Good cup runs had kept the crowd enthused and Morgan was voted Supporters Player of the Year for both 1970 and 1971. McGuinness was demoted at the end of 1971 and Busby returned to take over the reins until the end of the season with immediate relative success. Morgan was virtually an ever present upon Busby's return. Frank O'Farrell took over at the start of the 1971/72 season and proceeded to move Morgan infield. The team thrived and lead the league table at Christmas by 5 points, however, seven successive defeats put pay to any title aspirations and defeats in both cup competitions to Stoke City continued the medal drought. (Steve Drabble)

The turmoil within Old Trafford reached its peak in the 1972/73 season. As all around him was chaotic, Morgan remained impressively reliable and played in all but 3 games. United were in deep relegation trouble by December and O'Farrell was sacked. Tommy Docherty took control and rang the changes to avoid the drop. Morgan contributed significantly and scored crucial goals around Easter as United collected enough points to finish 18th and remain in the 1st Division. Despite their efforts the previous season, there was to be no reprieve for the 1973/74 campaign. Again, Docherty brought in new faces and, again, Morgan was a virtual ever present, missing one game all season, a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City. Morgan helped to shore up the defence in a holding midfield role, however, a distinct lack of goals from the front men cost the club their 1st Division status for the first time since 1938.

Morgan's reward for his continued contribution was the captaincy of the team. As United attempted to return to the top flight, youngsters formed a large part of the side and Morgan's experience was essential in balancing the side. He scored in the opening fixture of the season in a 2-0 win against Orient as United lead the league from start to finish. Though he remained a regular within the side, off the field, Morgan had a publicised dispute with Tommy Docherty and, as the manager continued to bring in new players, it was apparent that Willie would be departing. His former team, Burnley, came in and he left in the summer of 1975. Having played in the games against Southampton and Notts County that clinched promotion and the title respectively, Morgan's final appearance came in a 4-0 win against Blackpool at Old Trafford on 26th April 1975. (Steve Drabble)