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MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CAREER.
Brian Kidd signed for Manchester United as an Associate Schoolboy in
December 1963, became an apprentice in August 1964 and turned
professional in June 1966. He made his debut in the Charity Shield
against Tottenham Hotspur on 12th August 1967 in a 3-3 draw, with his
league debut coming a week later in the opening fixture of the season
against Everton at Goodison Park. Kidd's first goal came in his fifth
appearance, a 3-1 away win against West Ham. He went on to score an
impressive 17 goals in his first season and played in 50 of United's 54
games. They finished second in the league having lost on the final day
of the season to Sunderland, however, glory was to follow in the
European Cup Final later the same month as United beat Benfica 4-1 in
extra time at Wembley. Kidd scored the third with a header.
The
following season was a struggle as United attempted to repeat their
success of the previous season and Brian suffered equally, with only 4
goals. Though he regained his scoring touch the following year, the
successful side of the 60s began to disband. Having survived relegation
in 1972/73, Kidd could do nothing to prevent that fate befalling the
club in the following season, only playing in one of the final 13 games.
As United contemplated life in the Second Division, Arsenal came in
with an offer of £110,000 for Brian and he joined the Londoners in the
close season. His final goal came in September 1973 when, as with his
debut goal, he scored in a 3-1 win against West Ham. During his time at
the club, Kidd played under four different managers. He scored 69 goals
in 272 appearances with the one at Wembley on 29th May 1968 putting him
in United folklore forever. (Steve Drabble)
Brian is pictured above playing for Manchester United against Birmingham City.
Photo George Herringshaw. ©
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