Viv Anderson: Man United full-back Profile & Stats
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Portrait of Viv Anderson

Viv Anderson

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PWDLFA

HAN P W D L F A Diff Win%
H 33 19 9 5 61 29 +32 57.58
A 36 14 9 13 44 49 -5 38.89
TOTALS 69 33 18 18 105 78 +27 47.83

Name: Vivian "Viv" Alexander Anderson
Birthdate: 29-07-1956
Age: 69
Birthplace: Nottingham, England
Height: 6' 1" (1.85m)
Weight: 12st 4lbs (78.2kg)
Years at Club: 1987-1991
Signing Info: Transferred from: Arsenal, 01/07/1987, £250,000
Previous Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Arsenal
Debut: 15/08/1987 v Southampton 2-2 (A) (League Division One)
Farewell: Transferred to Sheffield Wednesday, 01/1991 £Free
Passed Away:

Biography

Viv Anderson is a former English professional footballer best known for his time as a right-back for Manchester United and for making history as the first black player to represent the England national team at the senior level. Anderson's career was marked by success at both the club and international levels, as he was a pioneering figure who broke down racial barriers in football while enjoying a distinguished playing career.

Early Career and Success at Nottingham Forest
Born in Clifton, Nottingham, Anderson began his football journey with Nottingham Forest, where he developed into one of the most promising young defenders in English football. Under legendary manager Brian Clough, Anderson became a crucial part of Forest's defense, known for his athleticism, composure on the ball, and defensive awareness.

Key Achievements at Nottingham Forest:
European Cup Wins (1979, 1980): Anderson played a pivotal role in Forest's back-to-back victories in the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) in 1979 and 1980. His defensive solidity helped Forest establish themselves as one of the top teams in Europe.
First Division Title (1977-78): Anderson also contributed to Nottingham Forest's First Division title in 1978, adding domestic success to his European triumphs. His performances made him one of the best right-backs in England.
Move to Arsenal and Trailblazing England Career
In 1984, Anderson moved to Arsenal, where he continued to perform at a high level, helping the club reach the 1987 League Cup final. However, his most significant achievement during this period came on the international stage.

First Black Player to Represent England:
In 1978, Viv Anderson made history by becoming the first black footballer to play for the England national team in a senior match, a monumental achievement in breaking racial barriers in football. He went on to earn 30 caps for England, representing his country in major tournaments, including the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups. Anderson's composure, professionalism, and consistency made him an important part of England's defense during this time.

Transfer to Manchester United (1987–1991)
In 1987, Manchester United signed Viv Anderson as part of Sir Alex Ferguson's efforts to rebuild the squad. Anderson quickly became a key figure in United's defense, known for his defensive reliability, leadership, and attacking contributions from the right-back position. His experience and tactical awareness added stability to United's backline.

Key Contributions at Manchester United:
1989 FA Cup Final: Anderson helped Manchester United reach the 1989 FA Cup final, showcasing his consistent performances in defense. Although United lost the final, Anderson's contributions were vital in United's defensive setup.
Senior Leadership: At United, Anderson was not only a key defender but also a senior figure in the dressing room, helping guide younger players during Ferguson's early years as manager.
Later Career at Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley
After leaving Manchester United in 1991, Anderson joined Sheffield Wednesday, where he continued to perform at a high level, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League. He later played for Barnsley before transitioning into coaching roles, where he continued to contribute to the game after retiring as a player.

Legacy as a Trailblazer and Defensive Stalwart
Viv Anderson is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in English football, not only for his success on the pitch but also for breaking racial barriers as the first black footballer to play for England's senior national team. His career is defined by his composure, consistency, and defensive ability, which helped him succeed at the highest levels of both club and international football. Anderson's impact on the game extends beyond his playing career, as he remains an inspiration to future generations of black footballers.

Post-Retirement and Coaching
After retiring as a player, Anderson took up various coaching and managerial roles, including working as an assistant to Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough. He also remained involved in football through media work and ambassadorial roles, continuing to contribute to the sport long after his playing days ended.

Summary
Viv Anderson is a trailblazing footballer who made history as the first black player to represent England at the senior level. He enjoyed a highly successful career as a right-back for clubs like Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, and Manchester United, winning major trophies, including two European Cups with Nottingham Forest. Anderson's legacy as both a pioneering figure in breaking racial barriers and a highly dependable defender remains a significant part of English football history.
 
League League Cup FA Cup Charity Shield European Cup Europa League Super Cup Cup Winners Cup Inter-cont Cup World Clubs Cup    
Season Goals Season Apps
No Season League Goals League Apps LC Goals LC Apps FAC Goals FAC Apps CS Goals CS Apps EC Goals EC Apps Europa Goals Europa Apps SC Goals SC Apps CWC Goals CWC Apps IC Goals IC Apps CWC Goals CWC Apps Season
Goals		 Season
Apps
1. 1987-1988 2 31 0 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 38
2. 1988-1989 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
3. 1989-1990 0 16 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21
4. 1990-1991 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 3
TOTALS 2 54 1 7 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 69

Detailed Match & Performance Charts

MUFC Player Goals MUFC Player Appearances MUFC Player Opponent Manager MUFC Player Club Manager
No Opponent Goals Appearances
1. Oxford United 1 1
2. Halifax Town 1 1
3. Ipswich Town 1 1
4. West Ham United 1 1
No Opponent Appearances Goals
1. Arsenal 4 0
2. Chelsea 4 0
3. Tottenham Hotspur 4 0
4. Nottingham Forest 4 0
5. Liverpool 4 0
6. Wimbledon 4 0
7. Derby County 4 0
8. Southampton 3 0
9. Newcastle United 3 0
10. Everton 3 0
11. Millwall 3 0
12. Watford 2 0
13. Charlton Athletic 2 0
14. Coventry City 2 0
15. West Ham United 2 1
16. Oxford United 2 1
17. Luton Town 2 0
18. Queens Park Rangers 2 0
19. Portsmouth 2 0
20. Manchester City 2 0
21. Aston Villa 2 0
22. Hull City 1 0
23. Crystal Palace 1 0
24. Bury 1 0
25. Ipswich Town 1 1
26. Norwich City 1 0
27. Hereford United 1 0
28. Sheffield United 1 0
29. Pecsi Munkas 1 0
30. Halifax Town 1 1
No Opponent Manager No
1. Graham, George 4
2. Clough, Brian 4
3. Dalglish, Kenny 4
4. Gould, Bobby 4
5. Cox, Arthur 4
6. Nicholl, Chris 3
7. Bassett, Dave 3
8. Hollins, John 3
9. Harvey, Colin 3
10. Venables, Terry 3
11. Docherty, John 3
12. Lawrence, Lennie 2
13. Sillett, John 2
14. McFaul, Willie 2
15. Lyall, John 2
16. Smith, Jim 2
17. Taylor, Graham 2
18. Horton, Brian 1
19. Pleat, David 1
20. Coppell, Steve 1
21. Dobson, Martin 1
22. Duncan, John 1
23. Evans, Maurice 1
24. Harford, Ray 1
25. Lawrenson, Mark 1
26. Ball, Alan 1
27. Gregory, John 1
28. Machin, Mel 1
29. Howe, Don 1
30. Stringer, Dave 1
31. Bowyer, Ian 1
32. Kendall, Howard 1
33. Campbell, Bobby 1
34. Ryan, Jim 1
35. Garami, Jozsef 1
36. McCalliog, Jim 1
No MUFC Managers Count
1. Ferguson, Alex 69
Stadiums Competition Opponents Opponent Nationality
No Stadium Count
1. Old Trafford 33
2. City Ground, Nottingham 3
3. Plough Lane 3
4. Anfield 2
5. Goodison Park 2
6. Highbury 2
7. Manor Ground 2
8. St James Park, Newcastle 2
9. Stamford Bridge 2
10. The Den 2
11. White Hart Lane 2
12. Baseball Ground 1
13. Boleyn Ground 1
14. Bramall Lane 1
15. Carrow Road 1
16. Edgar Street 1
17. Fratton Park 1
18. Highfield Road 1
19. Maine Road 1
20. PMSC Stadion 1
21. Portman Road 1
22. Selhurst Park 1
23. The Dell 1
24. Vicarage Road 1
25. Villa Park 1
No Competition Count
1. League Division One 54
2. FA Cup 7
3. League Cup 7
4. Cup Winners Cup 1
No Opponent Count
1. Arsenal 4
2. Chelsea 4
3. Tottenham Hotspur 4
4. Nottingham Forest 4
5. Liverpool 4
6. Wimbledon 4
7. Derby County 4
8. Southampton 3
9. Newcastle United 3
10. Everton 3
11. Millwall 3
12. Watford 2
13. Charlton Athletic 2
14. Coventry City 2
15. West Ham United 2
16. Oxford United 2
17. Luton Town 2
18. Queens Park Rangers 2
19. Portsmouth 2
20. Manchester City 2
21. Aston Villa 2
22. Hull City 1
23. Crystal Palace 1
24. Bury 1
25. Ipswich Town 1
26. Norwich City 1
27. Hereford United 1
28. Sheffield United 1
29. Pecsi Munkas 1
30. Halifax Town 1
No Opponent Nationality Count
1. England 68
2. Hungary 1
Roy Keane own goal v Real Madrid Old Trafford 2000 Cup Finals
No Date Opponent Competition Own Goals
Player has never scored an own goal against the club.
No Date Opponent WDL F-A Competition
Player never featured in a Cup Final.
Penalties scored for Manchester United Manchester United Hat-Tricks
No Date Opponents Competition Penaltys
Player has never scored a penalty for the club.
No Date Opponent Competition Goals
Player has never scored a hat-trick or better during a game.
 
Red Cards  
No Date Opponent Competition
Player has never been sent off during a match.
 

All Matches played
No Date Comp Opponent WDL F-A HAN Goal!! Scorers Opponent scorers
1. 15-08-1987 Div 1 Southampton D 2-2 A 0 Norman Whiteside 25', 31' *Danny Wallace 28', 59'
2. 19-08-1987 Div 1 Arsenal D 0-0 H 0
3. 22-08-1987 Div 1 Watford W 2-0 H 0 Paul McGrath 10', Brian McClair 20'
4. 29-08-1987 Div 1 Charlton Athletic W 3-1 A 0 Brian McClair 10', Bryan Robson 22', Paul McGrath 45' Micky Stuart 87'
5. 31-08-1987 Div 1 Chelsea W 3-1 H 0 Brian McClair 25', Gordon Strachan 48', Norman Whiteside 83' Gary Walsh 21' (o.g.)
6. 05-09-1987 Div 1 Coventry City D 0-0 A 0
7. 12-09-1987 Div 1 Newcastle United D 2-2 H 0 Jesper Olsen 8', Brian McClair 45' (pen) Mirandinha da Silva 7', 29'
8. 19-09-1987 Div 1 Everton L 1-2 A 0 Norman Whiteside 59' Wayne Clarke 37', 57'
9. 23-09-1987 LC Hull City W 5-0 H 0 Paul McGrath 38', Peter Davenport 71', Norman Whiteside 74', Gordon Strachan 81', Brian McClair 85'
10. 26-09-1987 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur W 1-0 H 0 Brian McClair 44' (pen)
11. 25-10-1987 Div 1 West Ham United D 1-1 A 0 Colin Gibson 45' Ray Stewart 68' (pen)
12. 28-10-1987 LC Crystal Palace W 2-1 H 0 Brian McClair 7' (pen), 28' Ken O'Doherty 40'
13. 31-10-1987 Div 1 Nottingham Forest D 2-2 H 0 Bryan Robson 54', Norman Whiteside 59' Paul Wilkinson 27', Stuart Pearce 76'
14. 15-11-1987 Div 1 Liverpool D 1-1 H 0 Norman Whiteside 50' John Aldridge 21'
15. 18-11-1987 LC Bury W 2-1 H 0 Norman Whiteside 63', Brian McClair 68' Jamie Hoyland 52'
16. 21-11-1987 Div 1 Wimbledon L 1-2 A 0 Clayton Blackmore 65' Carlton Fairweather 72', John Scales 88'
17. 26-12-1987 Div 1 Newcastle United L 0-1 A 0 Glenn Roeder 45'
18. 28-12-1987 Div 1 Everton W 2-1 H 0 Brian McClair 50', 73' (pen) Dave Watson 79'
19. 01-01-1988 Div 1 Charlton Athletic D 0-0 H 0
20. 02-01-1988 Div 1 Watford W 1-0 A 0 Brian McClair 39'
21. 10-01-1988 FAC Ipswich Town W 2-1 A 1 Mich d'Avray 28' (o.g.), Viv Anderson 64' Tony Humes 44'
22. 16-01-1988 Div 1 Southampton L 0-2 H 0 Colin Clarke 7', 73'
23. 20-01-1988 LC Oxford United L 0-2 A 0 Dean Saunders 21', Gary Briggs 35'
24. 24-01-1988 Div 1 Arsenal W 2-1 A 0 Gordon Strachan 11', Brian McClair 67' Niall Quinn 36'
25. 30-01-1988 FAC Chelsea W 2-0 H 0 Norman Whiteside 42', Brian McClair 70'
26. 06-02-1988 Div 1 Coventry City W 1-0 H 0 Liam O'Brien 5'
27. 10-02-1988 Div 1 Derby County W 2-1 A 0 Norman Whiteside 71', Gordon Strachan 88' Ted McMinn 90'
28. 13-02-1988 Div 1 Chelsea W 2-1 A 0 Steve Bruce 50', Liam O'Brien 52' Colin West 82'
29. 20-02-1988 FAC Arsenal L 1-2 A 0 Brian McClair 52' Alan Smith 21', Mick Duxbury 42' (o.g.)
30. 23-02-1988 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur D 1-1 A 0 Brian McClair 82' Clive Allen 40'
31. 19-03-1988 Div 1 Nottingham Forest D 0-0 A 0
32. 26-03-1988 Div 1 West Ham United W 3-1 H 1 Gordon Strachan 58', Viv Anderson 83', Bryan Robson 90' Leroy Rosenior 81'
33. 02-04-1988 Div 1 Derby County W 4-1 H 0 Brian McClair 16', 23', 64', Colin Gibson 51' Steve Cross 87'
34. 04-04-1988 Div 1 Liverpool D 3-3 A 0 Bryan Robson 3', 66', Gordon Strachan 77' *Peter Beardsley 38', Gary Gillespie 41', Steve McMahon 46'
35. 12-04-1988 Div 1 Luton Town W 3-0 H 0 Brian McClair 44', Bryan Robson 66', Peter Davenport 68'
36. 30-04-1988 Div 1 QPR W 2-1 H 0 Steve Bruce 10', *Paul Parker 83' (o.g.) Alan McDonald 70'
37. 02-05-1988 Div 1 Oxford United W 2-0 A 1 Viv Anderson 7', Gordon Strachan 37'
38. 07-05-1988 Div 1 Portsmouth W 4-1 H 0 Brian McClair 5', 58' (pen), Peter Davenport 25', Bryan Robson 35' Micky Quinn 65' (pen)
39. 03-09-1988 Div 1 Liverpool L 0-1 A 0 Jan Molby 68' (pen)
40. 01-10-1988 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur D 2-2 A 0 Mark Hughes 43', Brian McClair 72' Chris Waddle 37', Paul Walsh 87'
41. 02-11-1988 LC Wimbledon L 1-2 A 0 Bryan Robson 30' *Terry Gibson 31', 59'
42. 27-03-1989 Div 1 Nottingham Forest L 0-2 A 0 Stuart Pearce 3', Lee Chapman 61'
43. 02-04-1989 Div 1 Arsenal D 1-1 H 0 Tony Adams 85' (o.g.) Tony Adams 78'
44. 08-04-1989 Div 1 Millwall D 0-0 A 0
45. 15-04-1989 Div 1 Derby County L 0-2 H 0 Gary Micklewhite 15', Paul Goddard 79'
46. 09-09-1989 Div 1 Everton L 2-3 A 0 Brian McClair 57', Russell Beardsmore 66' Mike Newell 34', Pat Nevin 47', Greame Sharp 53'
47. 16-09-1989 Div 1 Millwall W 5-1 H 0 Mark Hughes 13', 75', 85', Bryan Robson 43', Lee Sharpe 60' *Teddy Sheringham 42'
48. 20-09-1989 LC Portsmouth W 3-2 A 0 Paul Ince 19', 41', Danny Wallace 44' Kenny Black 73', Jim Leighton 86' (o.g.)
49. 23-09-1989 Div 1 Manchester City L 1-5 A 0 Mark Hughes 50' David Oldfield 9', 57', Trevor Morley 10', Ian Bishop 35', Andy Hinchcliffe 60'
50. 16-12-1989 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur L 0-1 H 0 Gary Lineker 69'
51. 26-12-1989 Div 1 Aston Villa L 0-3 A 0 Ian Olney 57', David Platt 63', Kevin Gage 78'
52. 30-12-1989 Div 1 Wimbledon D 2-2 A 0 Mark Hughes 74', Mark Robins 75' Eric Young 21', Alan Cork 89'
53. 01-01-1990 Div 1 QPR D 0-0 H 0
54. 07-01-1990 FAC Nottingham Forest W 1-0 A 0 Mark Robins 56'
55. 13-01-1990 Div 1 Derby County L 1-2 H 0 Gary Pallister 48' Mark Wright 23', Nick Pickering 75'
56. 21-01-1990 Div 1 Norwich City L 0-2 A 0 Robert Fleck 70', 86'
57. 28-01-1990 FAC Hereford United W 1-0 A 0 Clayton Blackmore 86'
58. 03-02-1990 Div 1 Manchester City D 1-1 H 0 Clayton Blackmore 70' Ian Brightwell 73'
59. 10-02-1990 Div 1 Millwall W 2-1 A 0 Danny Wallace 65', Mark Hughes 84' Darren Morgan 27'
60. 18-02-1990 FAC Newcastle United W 3-2 A 0 Mark Robins 19', Danny Wallace 60', Brian McClair 77' Mark McGhee 50' (pen), Kevin Scott 65'
61. 24-02-1990 Div 1 Chelsea L 0-1 A 0 Gareth Hall 16'
62. 03-03-1990 Div 1 Luton Town W 4-1 H 0 Brian McClair 25', Mark Hughes 33', Danny Wallace 44', Mark Robins 66' Kingsley Black 80'
63. 11-03-1990 FAC Sheffield United W 1-0 A 0 Brian McClair 29'
64. 18-03-1990 Div 1 Liverpool L 1-2 H 0 Ronnie Whelan 80' (o.g.) John Barnes 15', 54' (pen)
65. 17-04-1990 Div 1 Aston Villa W 2-0 H 0 Mark Robins 24', 45'
66. 30-04-1990 Div 1 Wimbledon D 0-0 H 0
67. 22-09-1990 Div 1 Southampton W 3-2 H 0 Brian McClair 20', Clayton Blackmore 61', Mark Hughes 62' Paul Rideout 31', Rod Wallace 70'
68. 03-10-1990 CWC Pecsi Munkas W 1-0 A 0 Brian McClair 77'
69. 10-10-1990 LC Halifax Town W 2-1 H 1 Steve Bruce 42' (pen), Viv Anderson 58' Tony Gregory 70'
 

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