1979–80 Manchester United F.C. season


The 1979–80 season was Manchester United's 78th season in the Football League, and their fifth consecutive season in the top division of English football. They finished the season second in the league, just two points behind champions Liverpool, and qualified for the 1980–81 UEFA Cup. It was the first season at the club for new midfielder Ray Wilkins, signed in the 1979 close season for a club record fee of £750,000. However, United had gained a reputation for playing generally dull football under Sexton, and by the end of his third season as manager they had still yet to win a major trophy, as Liverpool ruled supreme in the English league.
On 25 February 1980 United's chairman since 1965, Louis Edwards died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. His son Martin Edwards replaced him as chairman on 22 March 1980.

First Division

Club
1Liverpool42251078130+5160
2Manchester United42241086535+3058
3Ipswich Town42229116839+2953

Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points

FA Cup

League Cup

Squad statistics