Martin Buchan, Manchester United player

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Martin Buchan was one of classiest defenders ever to play for Manchester United. Bought by Frank O’Farrell (to some, the only good thing O’Farrell ever did), Buchan played for twelve seasons and made 456 appearances.

Buchan was born and brought-up in Aberdeen. His father, Martin snr, played for Aberdeen and Martin jnr and brother George both followed in father’s footsteps. Martin turned professional at seventeen, was club captain at twenty and first represented his country at twenty-two. In February 1972, Manchester United paid Aberdeen a club record fee of £125,000 to sign him. Buchan joined the club at a difficult time. In his first full season, there was a change of manager and, in his second, the club was relegated. Thereafter, things improved as Buchan became one of the pillars of Tommy Docherty’s newly-fashioned team. By 1975 Buchan was club captain. He led Manchester United to three FA Cup Finals, two of which were lost and one won. The victory came in 1976-1977 when, in the final, Buchan had an excellent game even though he wasn’t fully fit. During his time at Manchester United, Buchan’s two main partners in central defence were Brian Greenhoff and Gordon McQueen.

Martin Buchan had high standards. He was disciplined and demanding of himself, and also expected much of others. He was confident and cool, aware both of his abilities and his limitations. His greatest assets were his positional sense and his tremendous pace. He commanded the respect (if not always the affection) of both team-mates and opponents. Towards the end of his career, injuries limited his contribution, but he still played 456 games for Manchester United, which comfortably lists him in the all-time top-twenty for most club appearances. He only scored four goals, but these include a memorable strike from distance against Everton in 1978. At the end of the 1982-1983 season Buchan was given a free transfer and he moved to Oldham Athletic.

Buchan made 34 international appearances for Scotland, appearing at the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.

profile last updated November 2010