After finishing runners up in the top flight the previous season, United were far from impressive during the coarse of the 1980-81 campaign as they only could manage finishing 8th. They soon later parted company with manager, David Sexton, replacing him with Ron Atkinson, who soon became a favourite at Old Trafford.
The 1981-82 season produced a much greater improvement from Manchester United, as they finished third in the top flight and boasted their teenage phenomenon, Norman Whiteside, at the age of only 17 was considered the brightest talent in English football. The 1982-83 season was very successful for Ron Atkinson, once again they finished 3rd in the first division, they won the 1983 FA Cup, beating Brighton and Hove Albion in the final and reached the league cup final, this time losing 2-1 to Liverpool.
United were unlucky the following season as they dropped many points which they deserved to receive from vital matches, they still managed to finish forth and Bryan Robson was outstanding through out the season.
The 1984-85 season, was once again a successful campaign for Ron Atkinson and Manchester United, they cruised to forth position in the top flight, however they really turned on the style during the 1985 FA Cup. They won the 1985 FA Cup final as Frank Stapleton scored what proved to be the winning goal for United.