Along the team’s history, Manchester United has recorded ups and downs. The beginning of 1969-86 era was in fact one of the worst times for Manchester United. The team finished 8th in the 1969–70 season and had a poor start to the 1970–71 season. That is not all, Manchester United also failed to keep the team’s high-profile players, including Nobby Stiles and Pat Crerand.

Things started to improve when Frank O’Farrell was appointed manager of the team in 1971. O’Farrell’s short career as manager for Manchester United was ended when Tommy Docherty took over in December 1972. Docherty made some quick actions and improve the team enough to avoid relegation. It was not solid enough though, because Manchester United finally faced relegation in 1974.

After one season, Manchester United was promoted back to the First Division and reached the FA Cup final in 1976. They won the FA Cup in 1977 though, defeating Liverpool with a solid 2-1 win at that time. Docherty was dismissed a year after due to a sex scandal that hit him. He was then replaced by Dave Sexton in 1977, bringing Manchester United to series of good – not great – performances throughout the 1977-78 and 1978-79 seasons.

Ron Atkinson was the latest manager of Manchester United before Ales Ferguson took over until today. He successfully brought the team to winning the FA Cup twice in three years; Manchester United won the 1983 and 1985 FA Cup titles. Atkinson’s place was taken over by Ferguson in 1986.