Season 1961/62
original illustrations of the kits worn during the season



 
The Season in brief

Surprisingly given their problems in defence, United's only notable signing during the close season was Arsenal's centre forward, David Herd. His arrival signalled the end of Dennis Viollet and Alex Dawson's Old Trafford careers.

The side began the season well, and maintained a top four place until October when they were beaten at lowly Birmingham 2-0, and at Highbury 5-1.

United picked up just two points in ten games and by early December were twentieth in the table. Busby faced increased criticism both in the press and from several of his post Munich signings. In particular Noel Cantwell, a graduate of the West Ham academy, was appalled by the out-dated training regime at Old Trafford. United finished fifteenth, seven points above the drop zone.

In contrast they raised their game for the F.A. Cup and progressed through to the semi-finals for the first time since 1958.

Their opponents were Tottenham Hotspur, a side that by winning the double the previous season had even eclipsed the performance of the Babes in 1956/57. United were no match for Spurs, who won 3-1 and went on to retain the Cup.

United shirts featured a rounded collar but were otherwise unchanged for 1961/62. We know that United continued to wear the V necked change shirt, and from photographic evidence sent by contributor Alex Howells, this was worn with black socks in at least one game (at Highbury on October 21st 1961).

The pre-season squad photograph shows United in a short-sleeved 'V-neck' shirt, worn with white shorts with a red flash on the sides.

Players were given the choice of long or short-sleeved shirts.