Arthur Albiston’s Man Utd career, three FA Cup triumphs after joining as a trainee

Arthur Albiston played for Manchester United between 1974 and 1988. Only 13 players have made more appearances for the club than the former Scotland international.

Denis Irwin is widely regarded as Manchester United’s most consistent left-back of all time, but before the former Republic of Ireland international came another reliable force: Arthur Albiston. The curly-haired Scot was a fans’ favourite and mainstay in the position for 14 years, sharing dressing rooms with George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law.

Like Roger Byrne, the oldest player to die in the Munich Air Disaster, and Shay Brennan, who followed, Albiston enjoyed adventuring as a left-back. Making 485 appearances for the club, he also became the first United player to win the FA Cup three times: 1977, 1983, 1985. Since then, three players have won the FA Cup four times at United: Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Mark Hughes.

Albiston’s other triumphs at United included the Second Division title in 1975 under Tommy Docherty. He also earned 14 caps for the Scotland national team.

Arthur Albiston’s debut against Man City

After joining United as a trainee in July 1972, Albiston made his first team debut two years later.

Following a successful trial, at the age of 17, Albiston’s first senior appearance for United came in a 1-0 League Cup third-round victory over neighbours Man City at Old Trafford. The only goal was scored by Republic of Ireland midfielder Gerry Daly.

Still a teenager, the Edinburgh-born full-back didn’t immediately become a regular in Docherty’s team. He earned a chance to make his European debut against Ajax in the UEFA Cup in September 1976. Albiston took his opportunity and earned his place in the starting line-up following Stewart Houston’s ankle injury towards the end of the 1976/77 season.

In 1977, making his FA Cup debut, Albiston put in a solid display in the final win against a treble-chasing Liverpool. It was United’s first cup success in 14 years.

Like many other fine players in United’s history, Albiston never got a First Division winners’ medal. But he is also a member of a special club of ex-players that scored a winner against Liverpool at Anfield. Speaking to Andy Mitten for We’re The Famous Man United, a marvellous book detailing the players’ stories of the 80s, Albiston explains how fans remind him about the winner he scored in 81’ as the one game they always bring up.

“We battered the Scousers that day in 1981, battered them,” Albiston said.

“We should have won by three or four. Kevin Moran had put us ahead in front of the Kop, then they got a penalty – which wasn’t unusual – and equalised. There was no way they deserved a draw.

“With a few minutes left, a ball got played into the box. It came back to me about 40 yards out. I’d already had a couple of shots, which was unusual. This time I controlled it on my chest and was going to hit it, but then I changed my mind and played a one-two with Frank Stapleton.

“So I was back with the ball. I thought, ‘Let’s try something different here and not panic like you usually do.’ I was on the edge of the box. I wanted to stay on my feet and win a penalty. Souness came in from the side so I shot. I slipped as I shot but the ball rolled into the corner. I should have done a Gary Neville and ran to the home fans to wind the Scousers up, but I ran straight to the away end.”

Which Man Utd managers did Arthur Albiston play under?

Albiston is a familiar face for many United fans of the modern era who didn’t watch him play because of his work down the years for the club on MUTV and with BBC Radio Manchester. It’s no wonder he secured media work with all the incredible stories he can share about his memorable spell at United.

Not just in terms of winning three FA Cups and playing in the Second Division, or the players he called teammates, but also the managers he played under.

• Managers Albiston played under at Old Trafford
• Tommy Docherty – gave Albiston his debut
• Dave Sexton
• Ron Atkinson – won two FA Cups
• Sir Alex Ferguson – before Albiston’s departure in August 1988

He was renowned throughout his career for his fitness. It helped that Albiston enjoyed cross-country running, which showed in his performances at left-back.

Albiston retired in 1994 following stints at West Brom, Dundee, Chesterfield, Chester City, Molde, and Ayr United.