Ron Atkinson joined the club in 1981. He first signed Frank Stapleton from Arsenal and John Gidman from Everton. Although his most important signing was Bryan Robson who arrived in a �2 million which also included Remi Moses from WBA. Also making a name for himself was 17 year old Norman Whiteside.

In the 1981-82 season United signed their first sponsership deal with SHARP. The electronics company had a depot over in Newton Heath, almost on the same spot where United had been born. The following season saw Ron Atkinson's men reach the Milk Cup Final. United played Liverpool but lost the game 2-1 after extra time (aet). Unied also finished third in the league and reached the FA Cup Final.

Uniet played Brighton in the final and too everybodys suprise Brighton managed a 2-2 draw (aet). Five days later United ran riot and won the replay 4-0. Goals from Robson, Whiteside, Robson again and Arnold Muhren created the biggesdt margin ever in an FA Cup Final.

United were back at Wembley just two years later. This time they were playing Champions Everton. The game will always be remembered for Kevin Moran to become the first player to be sent off in aFA Cup Final. The game went into extra time and 10 minutes from the end Norman Whiteside scored a superb winner. Ron Atkinson was relieved of his duties in 1986 followind a poor run of results. He was replaced with Alex Ferguson, AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED FROM THERE!