Ron Atkinson Profile & Manchester United Managerial Record | MUFC Manager 1981-1986
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RON ATKINSON
MANAGERIAL PROFILE & MANCHESTER UNITED RECORD

Manchester United managers

Explore the complete managerial profile of Ron Atkinson during his time in charge of Manchester United from 1981 to 1986. This detailed biography covers Atkinson’s career path, managerial style, match statistics, and achievements at Old Trafford, including two FA Cup victories and the development of key players like Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside. Learn how “Big Ron” helped reshape Manchester United during a transitional era before Sir Alex Ferguson's arrival.

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Ron Atkinson Manchester United manager

England

Name: Ronald, Ernest "Ron" Atkinson
Birthdate: 18/03/1939
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Passed Away:
Previous clubs as Player: Oxford United
Previous clubs as Manager: Kettering Town, Cambridge United, West Bromwich Albion
From: 09/06/1981
To: 06/11/1986

Early Career and Playing Days

Ron Atkinson, known for his larger-than-life personality, began his football career as a midfielder. He spent his playing days at Oxford United, then Headington United, where he made over 500 appearances and became the club's captain.

Managerial Career

Ron Atkinson’s managerial career took off with Kettering Town and Cambridge United, before he rose to prominence at West Bromwich Albion.

Manchester United 1981-1986

In 1981, Ron Atkinson became manager of Manchester United. His appointment came during a period when United were trying to reclaim their place among English football’s leading clubs. He brought an attacking style and made key signings, including Bryan Robson.

During his tenure, Atkinson led Manchester United to two FA Cup victories, in 1983 and 1985, bringing the club its first silverware since the 1977 FA Cup Final success over Liverpool.

Ron Atkinson’s Impact and Legacy

Ron Atkinson’s managerial career is defined by his ability to get the best out of his players and his preference for attacking football. His leadership during Manchester United’s 1980s resurgence remains an important chapter in the club’s pre-Ferguson era.


OVERALL RECORD
All Competitions
PWDLFADiffWin%
H14390341926085+17562.94
A140514346185171+1436.43
N95221610+655.56
Total2921467967461266+19550.00

DOMESTIC COMPETITION EUROPEAN COMPETITION OVERALL RECORD
League Division One League Division One UEFA Cup UEFA Cup All League Games League Division One
PWDLFADiffWin%
H11268281620370+13360.71
A111403536146137+936.04
Total2231086352349207+14248.43
PWDLFADiffWin%
H532072+560.00
A512267-120.00
Total10442139+440.00
PWDLFADiffWin%
H11268281620370+13360.71
A111403536146137+936.04
Total2231086352349207+14248.43
 
League Cup League Cup Cup Winners Cup Cup Winners Cup All European Games UEFA Cup Cup Winners Cup
PWDLFADiffWin%
H141022266+2071.43
A136342216+646.15
N100112-10.00
Total2816574924+2557.14
PWDLFADiffWin%
H422072+550.00
A411257-225.00
Total8332129+337.50
PWDLFADiffWin%
H9540144+1055.56
A92341114-322.22
Total187742518+738.89
 
FA Cup FA Cup   All Domestic Cup Games League Cup FA Cup
PWDLFADiffWin%
H8701175+1287.50
A732264+242.86
N6420136+766.67
Total2114433615+2166.67
 
PWDLFADiffWin%
H2217234311+3277.27
A209562820+845.00
N7421148+657.14
Total49309108539+4661.22
 
Charity Shield Charity Shield    
PWDLFADiffWin%
N210122050.00
Total210122050.00
   

Ron Atkinson Managerial Record by Season
Season League
League Cup
F.A. Cup
Charity Shield
U.E.F.A. Cup
Cup Winners Cup
Total
1981/1982 3rd (Div 1) 2nd Round 3rd Round       0
1982/1983 3rd (Div 1) LOST FINAL   1st Round   1
1983/1984 4th (Div 1) 4th Round 3rd Round   Semi-Finals 1
1984/1985 4th (Div 1) 3rd Round   4th Round   1
1985/1986 4th (Div 1) 4th Round 5th Round LOST     0
1986/1987 *11th (Div 1)* 3rd Round         0
TOTAL 0 0 2 1 0 0 3
* Ron Atkinson was sacked 06/11/1986
 

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