United’s League Cup semi-final story

1970s

The ‘70s were, all in all, not a glorious decade for the club and we actually lost all three of the semi-finals we progressed to – the first two coming under the tenure of Sir Matt Busby’s successor, Wilf McGuinness. That ding-dong tie with City ended 4-3 on aggregate to our crosstown rivals, with Mike Summerbee’s 68th-minute goal in the second leg at Old Trafford proving crucial. The Blues went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.

Twelve months on and, despite the best efforts of Brian Kidd, who scored a goal in each leg, United were defeated 3-2 by Aston Villa two days before Christmas and a week later McGuinness would be replaced by Busby at the helm. Our third and final semi heartbreak of the 1970s arrived during our year-long exile in the second division. Norwich City, who had been relegated from the top-flight with us the previous season, ran out 3-2 winners thanks to Colin Suggett’s deciding goal at Carrow Road.

1969/70 – United 3 Man City 4

1970/71 – United 2 Villa 3

1974/75 – United 2 Norwich 3

1980s

United’s first success at this stage of the competition arrived under the stewardship of Ron Atkinson, as we memorably put Arsenal to the sword. Norman Whiteside, Frank Stapleton and Steve Coppell (twice) scored as the Reds raced into a four-goal lead at Highbury, before two late Gunners goals restored a little home pride. Atkinson’s men were never really in trouble during the Old Trafford return eight days later, with Coppell again on the scoresheet. Liverpool would go on to deny us in the final, although our six-year silverware drought was eventually ended in that season’s FA Cup.

1982/83 – United 6 Arsenal 3