Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Manchester United’s 1985-86 season - a campaign filled with promise, passion, and ultimately, heartbreak.
A year that began with soaring hopes and a record-breaking unbeaten run, unravels in a whirlwind of injuries, off-field drama, and missed opportunities. We’ll explore the highs and lows of Ron Atkinson’s final full season in charge, from the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford to the heartbreak of falling short in the title race. Expect in-depth analysis of key matches, player performances, and the pivotal moments that defined the season as Rob and Jonathan relive the excitement, the agony, and the legacy of 1985-86.
00:29 – The 1985-86 Season: High Hopes and Early Promise
01:49 – Ron Atkinson’s Arrival and United’s Managerial History
04:38 – The Big Ron Era: Style, Successes, and Setbacks
08:41 – The Bryan Robson Factor: United’s Dependence
13:23 – Squad Building, Transfers, and Team Dynamics
17:13 – Cup Runs, League Frustrations, and Dressing Room Drama
24:50 – The State of English Football in the Mid-80s
25:59 – The 1985-86 Season Kicks Off
27:50 – United’s Record-Breaking Start
32:41 – The Winning Streak and Early League Dominance
39:13 – Injuries, Draws, and the Beginning of the Decline
43:34 – Mark Hughes’ Transfer Saga and Off-Field Turmoil
47:03 – The Drinking Culture and Its Impact
49:43 – The Collapse: Losing Form and the Title
54:56 – The End of the Atkinson Era
59:18 – The Arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson & Reflections
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