He began his career with English club Southampton in 1968, where he played in the reserve team.
His only first team appearance for the club came in a Texaco Cup tie against Norwich City.
He made his debut in a Scottish League Cup match against East Fife on 11 August 1973, going on to make 36 appearances over the next two seasons without establishing himself as a regular.
His three league goals for the club all came in the same match, against Morton on the final day of the 1973–74 season.
[1] In June 1975, MacLeod was transferred to St Johnstone as part-exchange in United's purchase of Henry Hall.