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
Lou Macari recalls the advice he received from Sir Bobby and explains why he admired him so much as a player...
Remembering Sir Bobby | Watch our tribute show in full, featuring a cast of Manchester United greats...
We take a closer look at how McTominay's international record now compares with other United men.
Cases are made for each of March’s contenders during our latest discussion show.
Our panellists on The Debate are split on their choices for United's Player of the Month...
The Debate | Discussion points include Sunday's trip to Newcastle, Marcus Rashford and our men's Player-of-the-Month vote...
United legend Lou Macari discusses the impact of his homeless shelter in Stoke, explaining how it helps the community...
United Daily | Ten Hag and Varane preview Barcelona, two ex-Reds rate Casemiro and we catch up with Lou Macari...
Lou Macari reminisces on the 50th anniversary of his successful debut for the Reds.
United Daily | Our round-up features Toone's award, Silvestre's signing story and birthday wishes for a Reds legend...
Fred played with Forlan, but what other combinations will leave you scratching your head?
United legends Lou Macari and Andy Cole reflect on the Reds' elimination from the Champions League...
Film | Former Red Lou Macari 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.