Sammy
McIlroy
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Appearances419
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Total goals71
Sammy
Biography
Debuts don't come much more unnerving than the Manchester derby, but the 17-year-old Sammy McIlroy came through his baptism of fire with flying colours - scoring once and assisting twice at Maine Road to instantly endear himself to the United faithful.
The Northern Irish winger was Matt Busby’s final signing at Old Trafford, penning amateur forms with United in July 1969. He turned professional two years later before his derby bow on November 6, 1971.
His emphatic entrance to the first-team setup didn’t seal a regular starting berth, and McIlroy largely remained a substitute for the next year.
Seriously injured in a car accident in January 1973, he fought his way back into the team against all odds the following season to earn himself a regular place in the starting line-up.
That season ended with the gloom of relegation, but McIlroy was a permanent and crucial fixture in the side that secured an instant return to the top flight. His domestic importance was matched on the international scene, and he went on to win 88 caps for Northern Ireland.
Sammy remained an integral part of the Reds side which went to Wembley three times in four years in the late 1970s. He tasted heartbreak in the 1976 and 1979 defeats to Southampton and Arsenal, although he did score a fine equaliser in the latter final. That disappointment sandwiched United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in 1977, the only major honour of Sammy’s 11-year Reds career.
Ron Atkinson sold McIlroy to Stoke City for £350,000 in 1982. Three years later he moved back to Manchester to join City on a free transfer before moving into management.
Spells with Northwich Victoria, Ashton United and Macclesfield Town preceded the role of Northern Ireland boss, before Sammy took over at Stockport County, then Morecambe.
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Position
Forward
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Country
Northern Irish
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v Man City (A) League
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Left United
Latest
United's Team of the 1970s Article
With the focus on the Seventies, we look at an XI based on those who performed in the decade the most for the Reds.
Beardsmore and McIlroy join the Group Chat video
Ex-Reds Russell Beardsmore and Sammy McIlroy were the guests on our daily show on Thursday…
'Training with Best, Law and Charlton was amazing' Article
On today’s MUTV Group Chat, Sammy McIlroy talked about how he felt when joining United in 1969.
Goal of the Day: McIlroy's Dutch delight Article
Ahead of United's meeting with AZ Alkmaar, here's a classic strike from 1976, scored against another Dutch side in Ajax.
Goal of the Day: McIlroy v Ajax video
Ahead of our match against AZ, here's a classic Sammy McIlroy strike against fellow Dutch side Ajax in 1976...
McIlroy and Stepney's memories of Paddy video
The crowd at The Trafford pub enjoyed hearing Sammy McIlroy and Alex Stepney's memories of Paddy's playing days...
'It's ridiculous to say players don't try' video
Club legend Sammy McIlroy has agreed with Mourinho, by saying: "There is no way that players don't give 100 per cent!"
McIlroy: The amosphere will be electric video
"It will an electric atmosphere today because the rivalry is immense," states an excited Sammy McIlroy...
Opinion: Will Fellaini and Bailly feature? video
Would you feature Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly against the Merseysiders? Sammy McIlroy's had his say...
McIlroy expects changes from Jose video
Sammy McIlroy is convinced the manager will make changes against CSKA Moscow...