[1] It was the first full season in charge for manager Tommy Docherty, who had been appointed the previous December following the dismissal of Frank O'Farrell.

After 12 games, Stepney had converted two penalties, which made him the club's joint top scorer, a position he held for ten matches.

A late-season run of victories raised the prospect of survival, but United stumbled as the season drew to an end.

The goal triggered a series of pitch invasions by Manchester United fans, perhaps hoping to get the match replayed, that forced the referee to abandon the game in the 85th minute.

However, City's victory and Southampton's win at Everton meant that United finished in 21st place, and would still have been relegated under the old system.