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5 Greatest Battles of Britain

By Ryan Willox

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Moussa Dembele of Celtic scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Moussa Dembele of Celtic scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Paul Sturrock (centre) scores Dundee United’s 2nd goal during the Manchester United v Dundee United UEFA Cup 3rd Round 1st leg match played at Old Trafford, Manchester on the 28th November 1984. The Manchester United goalkeeper is Gary Bailey (right) and the defender is Mike Duxbury (left). The match was drawn 2-2. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
Paul Sturrock (centre) scores Dundee United’s 2nd goal during the Manchester United v Dundee United UEFA Cup 3rd Round 1st leg match played at Old Trafford, Manchester on the 28th November 1984. The Manchester United goalkeeper is Gary Bailey (right) and the defender is Mike Duxbury (left). The match was drawn 2-2. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Getty Images) /

3. Dundee United 2 Manchester United 3, December 1984

Fresh off a controversial elimination at the semi-final stage of the European Cup to AS Roma the previous season, Dundee United entered the tie looking for a fourth straight last eight appearance in UEFA football.

Manchester United meanwhile were in the midst of a run of 26 years without a Premier League title.

In the early 1980’s, Scotland witnessed the emergence of the ‘New Firm’ of Aberdeen and Dundee United, so named for their challenge to the dominance of the ‘Old Firm’ of Celtic and Rangers.

The Old Trafford side would become very familiar with Scotland’s new powers, acquiring the services of a certain Alex Ferguson from Aberdeen.

Several miles down the coast, Ferguson’s counterpart at Dundee United Jim McLean refused overtures from bigger clubs to remain on Tayside.

He would oversee United’s only Scottish Premier League title, progression to that European Cup semi-final, a UEFA Cup final, and this epic encounter.

Following a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in the first leg, United arrived at Tannadice knowing they likely needed a win because of the away goals rule.

Current Stoke boss Mark Hughes got them off to a perfect start. Dundee United equalized through Davie Dodds before Gary McGinnis put through his own net to fire the Red Devils ahead in the tie.

Back came the Tangerines via Paul Hegarty in the second half but, with United heading out on away goals rule, Arnold Muhren scored twelve minutes from time to put Ron Atkinson’s men through.

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