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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.