Jimmy Greenhoff, Manchester United player

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Jimmy Greenhoff was a late arrival at Manchester United. He played between the ages of thirty and thirty-four and brought experience and a touch of class to a youthful side.

Born in Barnsley, Jimmy Greenhoff played all his early football in Yorkshire. After Yorkshire Schoolboys, he joined Leeds United, where he remained until he was twenty-two. From Leeds United he went to Birmingham City and then, in 1969, he moved from Birmingham City to Stoke City. He played at Stoke for seven seasons before being transferred, aged thirty, to Manchester United.

Docherty bought Greenhoff in 1976 to play alongside Stuart Pearson. It was a successful partnership that brought goals for them both. In 1978, Docherty’s successor, Dave Sexton, signed Joe Jordan and, with Pearson injured, a new partnership of Greenhoff and Jordan led the attack. This too was a success and, in 1978-1979, it helped Greenhoff enjoy his best Manchester United season. He scored seventeen goals and finished as the club’s leading scorer. From then on, Greenhoff succumbed to a number of injuries and, in December 1980 - four years after joining Manchester United - he was allowed to leave the club for Crewe Alexandra.

Most observers agree that, of the two Greenhoff brothers, Jimmy was the most talented. Despite having the majority of his best years behind him, he still brought to Old Trafford a range of silky skills. He had wonderful touch, excellent positional sense and could score some stunning volleys. Over five seasons, Jimmy Greenhoff made 123 appearances for Manchester United and scored 36 goals.

profile last updated November 2010