Lou
Macari
- Appearances401
- Total goals97
Lou Macari enjoyed 12 memorable years at Old Trafford – but so nearly ended up a Liverpool player.
In 1973 the Scottish striker was courted by Anfield boss Bill Shankly, and was a guest as Liverpool took on Burnley in an FA Cup tie. Coincidentally, United assistant manager Pat Crerand was sat close by, learned of Liverpool’s intentions and persuaded Macari to have talks with United instead. Five days later Macari moved to Old Trafford for £200,000, leaving Shankly to claim that the striker would only have been a substitute at Anfield! Macari had attracted attention as a young striker with Celtic. In six years with the Glasgow giants, he won two league championships and two Scottish Cups, and played in three League Cup finals. His fee raised a few eyebrows, but he quickly endeared himself to the United faithful by scoring on his debut, in a 2-2 draw with West Ham at Old Trafford. Macari helped United to the Second Division championship, (finishing second in the scoring charts with 11) an FA Cup winner’s medal in 1977 and runners-up medals in 1976 and 1979. He was never an overly prolific striker, and in the late 1970s Tommy Docherty moved him into a midfield role. The switch greatly improved Macari’s game, but his United career took a turn for the worse when Ron Atkinson replaced Docherty in 1982. The Scot spent the majority of the next two seasons on the United bench, and he left in the summer of 1984 to turn his hand to management. Macari’s first role was as player-manager of Swindon Town, which preceded spells at West Ham United, Birmingham City, Stoke City (twice) and Celtic. He also worked as a scout for the Republic of Ireland, and is a regular pundit on MUTV.
Midfielder
Scotland
7 Jun 1949
8 Jan 1973
20 Jan 1973
v West Ham (H) League
30 Jun 1984
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United legends Lou Macari and Andy Cole reflect on the Reds' elimination from the Champions League...
The former Red tells us his story, discussing his early years, right through to his current work helping the homeless...
See how Lou Macari supported the '3 Dads Walking' and suicide prevention charity Papyrus, earlier this week...
United legend Lou greeted three bereaved fathers at the stadium, as they raised funds for suicide charity Papyrus.
Marcus's strike against Liverpool lifted him on to another leaderboard at Old Trafford.
Extensive research by the Museum finally provides recognition for a number of our stars from yesteryear.
❤ We are so proud of United legend Lou Macari and the selfless work he is doing to help the homeless...
To celebrate the 50th episode, we've picked out five shows you need to listen to - now!
With the focus on the Seventies, we look at an XI based on those who performed in the decade the most for the Reds.
Lou Macari signed in to our daily call to give an update on his homeless shelter and to discuss Project Restart…
The beloved former United midfielder is not letting COVID-19 halt his incredible efforts in Stoke.
Read how United stole a star name from right under Liverpool's noses.
United greats Denis Irwin and Lou Macari were both really impressed by our Europa League win in Austria...