Frank O'Farrell, Manchester United manager

Frank O’Farrell was the second manager to follow Matt Busby. He didn’t last any longer than the first. Like Wilf McGuinness, O’Farrell was sacked after just eighteen months in the job.

Frank O’Farrell had considerable experience as a player, mainly with West Ham United and Preston North End. When he finished playing he went into management, firstly with Weymouth, then Torquay United, then Leicester City. In 1970-1971 Sir Matt Busby completed the season begun by Wilf McGuinness, but he didn’t wish to continue any further. Rumour had it that he wanted Jock Stein of Celtic to replace him, but Stein wouldn’t come. Instead, the club appointed Frank O’Farrell, impressed by O’Farrell’s work at Leicester City.

O’Farrell’s first season, 1971-1972, began well and, by Christmas, Manchester United were top of the League. In the new year, they then lost seven successive matches, slipped down the table, and finished in eighth place. The following season, 1972-1973, they began badly. They lost five and drew four of their first nine games. Further defeats followed culminating, in December, in a 5-0 defeat by Crystal Palace. A few days later O’Farrell was sacked.

O’Farrell had to manage a team in transition. The United Trinity were still playing, but weren’t what they were. Denis Law and Bobby Charlton were nearing the ends of their careers and George Best was becoming ever more difficult to manage. On the field it sometimes seemed that Best was carrying the team, off it he was in danger of undermining team morale. O’Farrell brought in some new players, notably Sammy McIlroy and Martin Buchan. Both made hundreds of appearances for Manchester United and Buchan was club captain for seven years. Other transfer targets suggested by O’Farrell weren’t pursued. There was a lingering suspicion that Busby still had the ear of the board. In the dressing room there was a fractious atmosphere that O’Farrell seemed unable to heal.

As a man, O’Farrell was well thought of. As a manager of Manchester United many felt he didn’t make the grade. He was disciplined and methodical but without the necessary authority. The one who did have the authority was still there - and that was partly the problem. After leaving Old Trafford, O’Farrell managed various other sides including Cardiff City, the Iranian national team and, for two further stints, Torquay United.