He joined Manchester United as a youth player in August 1968, and made his first-team debut against Ipswich Town on 8 September 1973.
[4] He helped Manchester United win the 1977 FA Cup, by which time he had developed a partnership with Martin Buchan in central defence.
Following his debut at Portman Road, Greenhoff was essentially an ever-present, one of the most vital components of Docherty's exciting young team.
Disappointment in the 1976 FA Cup Final, where the image of a tearful Greenhoff being consoled by his manager became an iconic one, was followed by the best season of the player's career in 1976–77.
A man of the match performance against Ajax in the UEFA Cup came in a strong start to the season, where he also became a regular at the heart of the defence in the England national team.
[citation needed] After his retirement altogether from playing sports, Greenhoff was regularly seen in the media giving his thoughts on Manchester United.