Lou
Macari
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Appearances401
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Total goals97
Lou
Biography
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.
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Position
Midfielder
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Country
Scotland
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v West Ham (H) League
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Left United
Latest
Macari recalls 'bizarre' World Cup Article
Former United favourite Lou Macari remembers Scotland's infamous 1978 campaign in Argentina.
Lou Macari says
"It was probably the most bizarre Scottish campaign ever. Somehow, a momentum built up in the press about us not only getting there but winning it!"
Lou Macari says
"World Cups only come around once every four years, so the main thing is to soak it up and enjoy it as you may never be at another one."
Lou Macari says
"The Scottish support was great and they got there in numbers despite the expense. I think there are still some great stories coming out about it now!"
Lou Macari says
"Everything was stacked against us but the World Cup is the biggest occasion you can ever be involved in and I am delighted that I was there to experience it."
Happy birthday, Lou!
says
MUTV pundit and former United forward Lou Macari turns 69 today. The Scot scored 97 goals in 401 appearances for the Reds, between 1973 and 1984.