Debut:
20/01/1973 v West Ham United (H) 2-2 (League Division One)
Farewell:
Transferred to Swindon Town, 07/1984, £Free
Passed Away:
Biography
Lou Macari is a former Scottish footballer known for his time as a midfielder and forward at Manchester United. Macari became a key figure at Old Trafford during the 1970s and early 1980s, contributing with important goals and his tireless work ethic. Revered for his determination and versatility, Macari earned a lasting legacy at United as a player who always gave his all for the team. He also went on to have a successful career as a manager, most notably at Swindon Town and Stoke City.
Early Career at Celtic
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Macari started his professional career with Celtic in 1967, where he developed into a talented attacker capable of playing both in midfield and upfront. Macari was part of a successful Celtic team that dominated Scottish football during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Key Achievements at Celtic:
Scottish League Titles and Scottish Cups: Macari won several domestic honors with Celtic, contributing to the team's dominance in Scottish football. His performances during his time at Celtic established him as one of Scotland's most promising players.
Move to Manchester United (1973-1984)
In 1973, Manchester United signed Macari for £200,000, and he quickly became an integral part of the team. Known for his energy, versatility, and ability to score goals from midfield, Macari won the hearts of United fans with his hard-working performances.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
FA Cup Victory (1977): One of Macari's most significant achievements at Manchester United came in the 1977 FA Cup final, where United defeated Liverpool 2-1. Macari's shot deflected off teammate Jimmy Greenhoff for the winning goal, preventing Liverpool from winning the treble that year. His involvement in this famous victory made him a key figure in United's cup success.
Consistent Goal Scorer: Macari scored 97 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United, making him a regular contributor in both First Division and FA Cup campaigns. His ability to play as both a midfielder and forward made him a valuable asset for United across multiple seasons.
Work Rate and Versatility: Throughout his time at United, Macari's tireless work rate and versatility allowed him to play in various positions, including as a central midfielder, winger, and striker. His dynamic playing style and willingness to press opponents were highly valued by the club and fans.
Playing Style: Industrious, Dynamic, and Determined
Macari was known for his high energy, tenacity, and ability to make late runs into the box to score goals. As a versatile player who could operate in both midfield and attacking positions, Macari was a constant threat to opposition defenses. His work ethic and determination were his defining traits, making him a fan favorite at Old Trafford. Despite not being the tallest player, Macari's strength and courage allowed him to compete effectively against larger opponents.
International Career with Scotland
Macari earned 24 caps for Scotland, representing his country between 1972 and 1978. Although he didn't achieve the same level of success internationally as he did at club level, Macari was an important figure for the Scottish national team during his playing career.
Managerial Career
After retiring from playing, Macari went into management, where he enjoyed success with several clubs. He is most famous for his time managing Swindon Town and Stoke City, where he led both clubs to promotion from the lower divisions.
Notable Managerial Roles:
Swindon Town: Macari guided Swindon to promotion to Division Two (now the Championship) in 1987, marking one of the highlights of his managerial career.
Stoke City: Macari had two successful spells as manager of Stoke City, winning promotion from the Third Division in 1992–93 and later stabilizing the club in the higher divisions.
Legacy
Lou Macari is remembered as a hard-working and determined player who gave his all for Manchester United. His ability to score goals from midfield and his tireless work ethic made him a valuable asset for United during the 1970s and early 1980s. Macari's versatility, combined with his love for the game, earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike. After his playing career, Macari continued to make his mark on football as a successful manager.
In addition to his footballing contributions, Macari is known for his charity work, particularly with the Lou Macari Foundation, which supports homeless individuals in Stoke-on-Trent.
Summary
Lou Macari was a dynamic and industrious midfielder/forward who played for Manchester United from 1973 to 1984, scoring 97 goals in 404 appearances. Known for his hard work, versatility, and goal-scoring ability, Macari was a fan favorite and played a key role in United's 1977 FA Cup victory. After retiring, he enjoyed a successful managerial career and is also recognized for his charity work.
