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| Name: David Sadler |
| Birthdate:
05-02-1946 |
| Age:
79 |
| Birthplace:
Yalding, Kent, England |
| Height:
6' 0" (1.83m) |
| Weight:
12st 3lbs (77.56kg) |
| Years at Club:
1963-1974 |
| Signing Info:
Transferred from: Maidstone United, 11/1962, £ |
| Previous Clubs:
Maidstone United |
| Debut:
24/08/1963 v Sheffield Wednesday (A) 3-3 (League Division One) |
| Farewell:
Transferred to Preston North End, 11/1973, £25,000 |
| Passed Away:
|
Biography
David Sadler is a former professional footballer best remembered for his successful 11 season career with Manchester United during the 1960s and 1970s. A versatile and intelligent player, Sadler could operate both as a defender and various positions as a forward, becoming an important member of Sir Matt Busby’s squad during one of the most glorious eras in the club’s history. David also has secretary duties to the Manchester United Former Players' Association
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Yalding, Kent, England, Sadler joined Manchester United from Maidstone United before signing a professional contract and progressed through the ranks thanks to his strong tackling, positional sense, and ability to contribute goals when needed. He made his first-team debut on 24/08/1963 v Sheffield Wednesday (A) during a 3-3 League Division One match, at a time when the club was rebuilding after the Munich Air Disaster and nurturing a new generation of talent.
Manchester United Career (1963–1974)
Sadler quickly established himself as a dependable and adaptable player. He was strong in the air, composed on the ball, and able to switch between defence and attack seamlessly – a quality that made him invaluable to Busby’s plans.
During his United career, Sadler made 335 appearances and scored 27 goals across all competitions. He was part of the squad that won:
First Division title (1965, 1967)
European Cup (1968) – Sadler played in the famous Wembley final where United defeated Benfica 4–1, becoming the first English club to lift the European Cup.
Sadler’s ability to adapt, whether filling in at centre-back alongside Bill Foulkes or supporting David Herd, George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law further forward, made him one of the unsung heroes of that golden team.
International Career
David Sadler was capped on 4 occasions for the England national team.
Later Career
Aafter over a decade at Old Trafford, Sadler left Manchester United when he transferred to Preston North End, 11/1973 for £25,000 and went on to play for Preston North End, and his former teammate Sir bobby Charlton who was in charge at Deepdale a place where he eventually retired from professional football.
Life After Football
Following retirement, David Sadler remained closely connected to Manchester United, becoming an ambassador and staying a popular figure among fans. He also pursued a successful business career and has regularly been involved in events celebrating the club’s history, particularly the achievements of the 1968 European Cup-winning team. Sadler was also manager of a Building Society in Hale, Greater Manchester.
Legacy
Though not always as high-profile as some of his legendary teammates, David Sadler is fondly remembered as a reliable, versatile, and intelligent footballer who played a key role in Manchester United’s domestic and European triumphs during the 1960s. His name will forever be associated with the club’s first European Cup victory, cementing his place in Old Trafford history.
 |
| |
| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-cont Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No |
Season |
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1. |
1963-1964 |
5 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
21 |
| 2. |
1964-1965 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
| 3. |
1965-1966 |
4 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
10 |
| 4. |
1966-1967 |
5 |
36 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
39 |
| 5. |
1967-1968 |
3 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
52 |
| 6. |
1968-1969 |
0 |
29 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
37 |
| 7. |
1969-1970 |
2 |
40 |
1 |
8 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
57 |
| 8. |
1970-1971 |
1 |
32 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
39 |
| 9. |
1971-1972 |
1 |
37 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
49 |
| 10. |
1972-1973 |
0 |
19 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
| 11. |
1973-1974 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| TOTALS |
22 |
272 |
1 |
22 |
1 |
23 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
335 |
Detailed Match & Performance Charts
All matches played
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