This week, as part of ‘Maine Road 100’ we’re delving into the archives with ex-players, opposition stars and passionate supporters discussing their memories of our old iconic ground.
Despite the up-and-down nature of his one season in sky blue, 1981/82, O’Neill does look back fondly on the clash against United on home soil in October 1981.
The game may have ended 0-0 but playing in front of 52,037 was something that O’Neill loved.
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“That was obviously absolutely fantastic to play in,” O’Neill told us earlier this year in an in-depth interview about his time in sky blue.
“This was City v United which was really, really supreme. And Maine Road as well too. The bits that I can remember were really astonishing.
“The atmosphere in the game, the hostility, it was mind boggling.
“Bryan Robson played directly opposite me that particular day. He was obviously a brilliant footballer, no doubt about it, he could tackle, he could head, he could score.
“Playing at Maine Road, too – it had its history. The pitch was really big, really really big for a start.
“And when the Kippax got behind you, it was fantastic.
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“Manchester City had a historic ground and I genuinely would have liked to have stayed there longer or had the opportunity of fighting strongly and being a regular of a side who, for a while, looked like it might be going places.”
