Oxford United 1 - Manchester United 0
Division 2
February 8, 1975

Lou Macari - a Red Devil legend

The two clubs' only previous meeting at the Manor had resulted in a draw in the League Cup when a Red Devils side containing Law, Best and Charlton had needed an 87th minute goal from the latter to prevent the U's eliminating them.

This time United started as underdogs against Tommy Docherty's league leaders. Oxford had to give a debut to 17-year-old Scot Hughie McGrogan, while Martin Buchan, Willie Morgan, Lou Macari, Stuart Pearson and Sammy McIlroy were included in a strong Manchester team.

The only goal of the game came in the 35th minute when McGrogan played a through ball to Derek Clarke. Clarke, one of four brothers of England and Leeds star Allan to play league football, beat Paddy Roche with a first time shot to the delight of the London Roaders. Roy Burton made some superb saves to keep the points for United.

Oxford were then in a comfortable mid-table position but were seriously weakened for their remaining games through the transfer of star player and captain Dave Roberts.

THE TEAMS

Manchester: Roche, Alex Forsyth, Stuart Houston, Brian Greenhoff, Steve James, Buchan, Morgan (sub Davies), McIlroy, Pearson, Macari and Tony Young.

Oxford: Burton, Jimmy Light, John Shuker, Roberts, Colin Clarke, Billy Jeffrey, Steve Aylott, Colin Duncan, Derek Clarke, Andy McCulloch and McGrogan.

History compiled by Andy Howland