crerand_patrick
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| Name: Patrick Timothy "Pat" Crerand |
Nationality: Scotland |
| Position: half-back |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Glasgow Celtic, 02/1963, £56,000 |
| Birthdate: 19-02-1939 |
Years at Club: 1963-1971 |
| Age: (85) |
Debut: 23/02/1963 v Blackpool (H) 1-1 (League Division One) |
| Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland |
Previous clubs: Glasgow Celtic |
| Height: 5' 10" (1.78m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Retired from game, 1971 |
| Weight: 12st 1lb (76.66kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Paddy Crerand is a Scottish football legend who played as a midfielder for Manchester United during the 1960s. Known for his tenacious tackling, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Crerand was a key player in Sir Matt Busby’s United team that won the 1968 European Cup. His combination of defensive grit and passing creativity made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford, and he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the club’s history.
Early Career at Celtic
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Crerand began his professional football career with Celtic in 1958. His early years at Celtic established him as a talented and tough midfielder, known for his ability to break up opposition play and his accurate passing. Crerand’s performances for Celtic caught the eye of Manchester United, and in 1963, he made the move south to join Matt Busby’s rebuilding United team.
Move to Manchester United (1963–1971)
Crerand signed for Manchester United in February 1963 for a fee of £56,000, and his arrival immediately strengthened United’s midfield. Crerand quickly became a pivotal player, helping United win domestic and European trophies during one of the club’s most successful eras.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1963 FA Cup Victory: Crerand played a crucial role in United’s FA Cup triumph just months after his arrival. United defeated Leicester City 3-1 in the final, marking Crerand’s first major silverware with the club and helping United return to winning ways after the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
Two First Division Titles (1964–65, 1966–67): Crerand’s performances in midfield helped United win two First Division titles in the 1960s, as the club returned to dominance in English football. His ability to dictate play from the center of the park, alongside Bobby Charlton, made him a key figure in United’s success.
1968 European Cup Victory: Crerand was an integral part of the United team that won the 1968 European Cup, becoming the first English club to win the prestigious trophy. In the final, United defeated Benfica 4-1 after extra time, with Crerand pulling the strings in midfield. This victory was the pinnacle of Crerand’s career and a momentous achievement for Manchester United.
Playing Style: Tough, Visionary, and Fierce Competitor
Crerand was known for his tough tackling and ability to win the ball back in midfield, but he also possessed excellent vision and passing ability, which allowed him to control the flow of games. His balance of defensive steel and creative play made him the perfect partner for more attack-minded players like Bobby Charlton and George Best. Crerand’s work ethic and determination were key elements of his game, and he was known for his fierce competitiveness on the pitch.
International Career with Scotland
Crerand earned 16 caps for Scotland, representing his country between 1961 and 1965. Although his international career was shorter than his club career, he was an important figure for Scotland during his playing days and brought his trademark grit and vision to the national team.
Post-Retirement and Broadcasting Career
After retiring from professional football in 1971, Crerand briefly managed Northampton Town but is better known for his long association with Manchester United as a pundit and broadcaster. Crerand became a well-loved figure in football media, offering insights and passionate opinions about the game and his beloved Manchester United.
Crerand has been a regular voice on MUTV, where he has analyzed matches, conducted interviews, and contributed to the club’s broadcasting team. His strong connection to Manchester United has kept him in the spotlight as one of the club’s most prominent former players.
Legacy
Paddy Crerand is widely regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever midfielders. His contributions to the team’s FA Cup victory in 1963, First Division titles, and the 1968 European Cup triumph make him an iconic figure in United’s history. Crerand’s toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the field earned him a special place in the hearts of United fans, and his legacy as a pivotal figure in Sir Matt Busby’s legendary team continues to endure. His post-retirement work as a broadcaster has only solidified his reputation as a Manchester United legend.
Summary
Paddy Crerand was a tough and visionary midfielder who played for Manchester United from 1963 to 1971, helping the club win the 1968 European Cup, two First Division titles, and the 1963 FA Cup. Known for his defensive grit and exceptional passing, Crerand was a key figure in Sir Matt Busby’s team during one of the most successful periods in Manchester United’s history. After retiring, Crerand became a prominent figure in football media, continuing his connection with United as a pundit and broadcaster. |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1962-1963 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
| 2 |
1963-1964 |
1 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
55 |
| 3 |
1964-1965 |
3 |
39 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
57 |
| 4 |
1965-1966 |
0 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
56 |
| 5 |
1966-1967 |
3 |
39 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
42 |
| 6 |
1967-1968 |
1 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
53 |
| 7 |
1968-1969 |
1 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
49 |
| 8 |
1969-1970 |
1 |
25 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
36 |
| 9 |
1970-1971 |
0 |
24 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
| TOTALS |
10 |
304 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
43 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
24 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
397 |
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