The following season United reached the semi-finals of the European Cup, but lost to the eventual winners, AC Milan. In the league they finished 11th.

In January 1969 Sir Matt announced his resignation after a massive 24 years in charge. Wilf McGuiness was his successor but in his first full season at christmas United were close to the relagation zone so instepped Matt Busby yet again. He raised spirits and the team finished a respectable 8th.

Next in line was Frank O' Farrell, at christmas 1971 United were 5 points clear at the top of the league. As United progressed into the the New Year they had 7 defeats in a row. The mannager acted quickly and purchased Murtin Buchan from Aberdeen for �125,000 and Ian Storey Moore from Notts Forest for �200,000. United managed another respactable 8th for the third consecutive season.

The following season it took United 10 games to record their first victory and again finished in 8th position. Although the major events of that season were off the pitch. Best announced his retirement at the age of 26, Bobby Charlton also retired after 17 loyal seasons and Frank O' Farrell was replaced by Tommy Docherty.

Tommy Docherty made many signings when he joined the club, in came George Graham from Arsenal (�120,000), Alex Forsythe from Partic Thistle (�100,000), Lou Macari from Celtic (�200,000) also incame Jim Holton, Stewart Houston and Jim McCalliog. Out went Denis Law on a free transfer to Man City. Despite all these signings United were relagated into the second division. The following season United dominated the division and finished top with 61 points.

Back in the top division United finished a highly respectable 3rd and reached the FA CUP Final. United played second division Southhampton but lost the game 1-0. 1 year later United were back at the twin toweres and this time there oppenents were Champions Liverpool. United won the game 2-1 and runied Liverpool's double hopes.

During the 1977-78 United finished 10th in the league and only the fourth round of the cup. Tommy Docherty had been dismissed before the end of the season because of revalations about his private life.

His replacement was Dave Sexton who brought in Joe Jordan (�350,000) and Gordan McQueen (�495,000) both from Leeds United. In the 1978-79 season United finished 10th in the league but reached the twin towers yet again. This time they played Arsenal. This final was soon to be known as the 5 minute final. Arsenal were 2-0 up with just five minutes to go, Gordon McQuenn scored the first United goal with a left foot shot, Sammy McIlroy then equalised three minutes later. In the final minute Alan Sunderland scored the winnig goal for Arsenal.

Ray Wilkins was the next star to join United, he came in August 1979 for �825,000 from Chelsea. In his first season United were very consistant and finished runners up to Liverpool. The following season was a dissapointment and in April 1981 Dave Sexton was sacked.