After the disappointment of relegation in 1974, United wasted little time in plotting an escape route from Division Two...
The Background: United won the opening four games of the 1974/75 season to top the table, and headed the chasing pack for the remainder of the campaign. Victory at Southampton had secured United's promotion with three games to spare, and a draw at Notts County in the penultimate game of the season assured the Reds of heading up as champions. Thus, the final game of the season against Blackpool was a no-strings attached affair; fun for all.
The Occasion: A whopping 58,769 supporters crammed into Old Trafford to say farewell to second tier football, and Tommy Docherty's side turned on the style with a rip-roaring 4-0 win through goals from Stuart Pearson (2), Lou Macari and Brian Greenhoff. At full time, jubilant United supporters cascaded onto the field to join the Doc and his triumphant players.
The Aftermath: United's return to the top flight was sensational, topping the First Division for the opening two months of the campaign and ultimately finishing third, behind champions Liverpool and QPR. However, disappointment beckoned in the FA Cup, where United were shocked by Second Division Southampton in the final at Wembley.
"They always reckon that the Second Division trophy is the one that nobody really wants to win. I don't take that view. We have won against tough opposition and now we are back at the top. And we haven't finished yet."
- Tommy Docherty