David Sadler
Testimonial April 11th 1978 v Preston North End
Altough a forward in his early career, David Sadler is best remebered for his cool, calm and unruffled defending. A fixture in United's side for almost a decade, he helped United to the title in 1967, played in the 1968 European Cup Final and won four England caps.
Sadler was already an England amateur international when he joined United as a sixteen year-old in November 1962, Despite just a solitary appearance for the Reserves, and a mere four 'A' team outings, he was selected at centre-forward for the opening League game of the 1963/64 season.
Sadler played in the opening twelve games of the season, but then had to be content with only the occassional call-up thereafter until finally establsihing himself in the first team in autumn 1966. He converted to a centre-half twelve months later, although he had played in that position regualrly for the Reserves since the start of the 1965/66 season,
Sadler remained a regular until the arrival of Martin Buchan. In 1973 he joined the Maimi Toros on loan but managed just one appearance for them in the NASL, before returning to Old Trafford.
In November 1973 he moved to Preston North End, managed at the time by Bobby Charlton. Sadler was forced to retire through injury four years later, after 121 appearances, and was granted a testimonial.