The mentioned personality is none other than Ron Atkinson, who was in charge of United from 1981 till 1986. Let us go back in time and look at his time at Manchester.

The Englishman arrives at Manchester

Upon his appointment as United boss, Ron Atkinson was widely seen by many to bring the spark that United had been lacking under their previous manager. Atkinson's predecessor had taken them to second place in the league in 1980 but did not win a major trophy in his four years at the club. It was a period of disappointment for United, and the season before Atkinson's arrival saw them finish eighth in the league.

The 1981-82 season finished with United at third position in the league, which guaranteed them a UEFA Cup spot. Several fans were still disappointed with the final league position though, as United were leading the First Division table for a long time. It was only a late surge by Bob Paisley's Liverpool's side that saw them snatch the title from United.

Ron Atkinson carried out major transfer activities in his debut season as well, as he had paid a national record £1.5 million for Bryan Robson from his old club West Bromwich Albion, and shortly afterwards added midfielder Remi Moses (also from West Bromwich Albion) and Arsenal striker Frank Stapleton to his ranks. Atkinson also gave an opportunity to a young 16 year old Norman Whiteside, who was a promising forward at the time.

Consequent seasons

The 1982-83 season was even better for the Red Devils, as Atkinson won his first silverware with the club. While United finished third in the league again, it was in the FA Cup that they struck gold. Manchester United faced Brighton in the finals, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. This led to a replay, which saw the Red Devils destroy their opponents 4-0 to be crowned champions. It was a season of immense optimistic at United, as their improved performance and the breakthrough of

Norman Whiteside as a top youth player sparked speculation that United were back in a big way.

Atkinson's next season at United wasn't much successful, despite huge expectations. Key injuries affected their league campaign, which saw the Red Devils finish Fourth. Their FA Cup title defense also ended in a shocking 2-0 defeat to Third Division side Bournemouth. United managed to reach the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, but were ultimately knocked out by Juventus.

Drastic changes occurred in the team as well, with United selling key player Ray Wilkins to AC Milan for £1.5 million. This was also followed by the breakthrough of Mark Hughes, who became yet another promising star that was promoted under Atkinson.

Another FA Cup, Ban from European football, and eventual departure

Manchester United won yet another FA cup title during the 1984–85, but the Heysel disaster at the European Cup final that year resulted in an indefinite ban from European competitions for all English clubs. Thus, the club's domestic success was overshadowed by their European ban.

Atkinson's side began the 1985–86 league season on a 15-match unbeaten streak, but their form dipped drastically and Liverpool went on to win the league again. The ban from European competition also meant that they received consolations from their fourth-placed finish. This was followed by the sale of Mark Hughes to Barcelona, with Nottingham Forest player Peter Davenport brought in as his replacement. The move further angered the fans, as on-field disappointments were now joined by selling of fan-favorite players.

The 1986–87 season was Atkinson's final campaign with the club. His two FA Cup wins and five successive top four league finishes had made him the most successful Manchester United manager since Matt Busby. Despite his failure to win a league title with United, Atkinson will always have a place in the list of greatest United managers.