Bryan Robson spent thirteen glorious years at Manchester United. He was nick-named Captain Marvel by the fans, and was part of the team that ended a twenty-six year wait for the League championship. In total Robson made 437 appearances and scored 99 goals for the club.
Born in 1957, Bryan Robson signed an apprenticeship with West Bromwich Albion at the age of fifteen in 1972 and he signed a professional contract with them in 1974. During the 1974-75 season he was a regular in the West Bromwich reserve team and finally made his first tem debut towards the end of that season.
During the 1975-76 season, Robson struggled to hold down a regular first team place, and it wasn't until the following year 1976-77 that he began to appear more regularly. West Brom were now back in the First division after winning promotion the previous year, and while Robson was now playing more regularly in the first team, his season was then marred by injury after he broke his leg twice and later in the season broke his ankle, the injuries keeping him out of the team for long periods.
By the 1978-79 season, Robson was now a regular in the West Brom team, now under the management of Ron Atkinson. Missing only one league game as Albion managed to finish 3rd in the First division and reached the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. He starred again as Albion finished 4th during the 1980-81 season, but Albion fans feared that when Ron Atkinson left to manage Manchester United, Robson would follow him.
Although he was offered an improved contract, Robson signed for Man United for a then record ?1.5 million in October 1981. Wearing the famous No.7 shirt for Manchester United, Robson went onto become a true legend. Without a doubt he was one of the best midfielders ever to play for the club. He settled into the team quickly, and was soon appointed as the club captain.
Robson's greatest assets were his motivational influence, amazing stamina, quick to the tackle and he possessed great passing skills as well as a powerful shot and heading ability.
During the 1983 season he missed the League Cup Final through injury as United lost to Liverpool, but regained his fitness for the FA Cup final, as United went onto beat Brighton 4-0 after a replay, Robson scoring two of the goals, and lifting his first trophy as club captain. In 1985 he captained the team as they won another FA Cup final, this time over Everton, who had won the league and European Cup Winners Cup that season.
United started the 1985-86 season in championship winning form with ten successive wins, but their form dipped and they eventually finished without a trophy and fourth place in the league. Robson only played 21 out of 42 league games after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
It was 1990 before United won another trophy, now under the management of Alex Ferguson, as they beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, and Robson lifted the Cup for the third time in his United career, but a poor league season had seen the Reds finish in 13th place in the league, with Robson again missing many league games through injury.
The following season saw Robson plagued by injury again, as he featured in only 17 league games, but he played in the European Cup Winners Cup Final as United beat Barcelona 2-1 to win the cup.
During the 1992-93 season Robson made 14 league appearances as United won the title, as he battled with injury and also for his place in the team when he was fit, as he competed with the likes of Paul Ince, Brian Mcclair and the newly signed Eric Cantona. It was fitting that Robson scored his only goal of the season in the last game away at Wimbledon, the game which secured the League title.
By the 1993-94 season Bryan Robson's first team opportunities were becoming less frequent, but he managed to make enough appearances to secure a winners medal as United won the league again.
Robson left the Reds at the end of the 1993-94 season, joining Middlesbrough as player-manager, but he will always be remembered as a Man United legend.
Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of Manchester United football gifts which are available from the man united shop all items are available to ship worldwide.
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