In terms of trophies, the 1980s was not a vintage decade for Manchester United.
Positive starts were made in numerous First Division campaigns, but they ultimately proved to be nothing more than false dawns, while the FA Cup triumphs in 1983 and 1985 at the expense of Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton respectively were as good as it got.
Nevertheless, there was still an abundance of quality at Old Trafford, including the likes of Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes and Paul McGrath.
Someone else that was a virtual ever present over that 10-year period was the versatile Mick Duxbury, who in fact played more times for the club between the start of 1980 and the end of 1989 than any other player.
As he releases his autobiography - entitled It's Mick Not Mike - Sports Mole spoke with the now school teacher to discuss the book, as well as finding out what he makes of Louis van Gaal, Wayne Rooney and David de Gea.
© Getty Images
What was it about now that made it the right time to release your autobiography?
"I'd never really thought about it until Wayne Barton, who wrote the book with me, mentioned it. My initial reaction was that I didn't think anybody would want to read it. But, after talking to him for a little while, Wayne convinced me that it was worth doing."
How did you find the process? Was it easy to recall the games you played in and players that you played with?
"It's a strange process really. We were at it for around 18 months to two years. Basically, it was just me talking to Wayne and him asking questions, just stirring things up and reminding me about different bits. It's surprising what you can recall and what you do remember."
Have you had a chance to read it through? Are you happy with the final product?
"I've read it through a few times because we had to change one or two things now and again. Ultimately, I don't know about anyone else because it's a personal thing, but I'm really happy with it. I hope other people enjoy it as well."
Some footballers tend to sensationalize things in their books or dish the dirt in order to make the headlines. You haven't gone down that route, it's more of a factual and honest approach - was that a conscious decision?
"That's the way we wanted to approach it. You can always dig something out to make headlines, but that is not what I wanted to do. Anybody that knows me as a person will realise that. We were honest and wanted to be factual, so that's how we went about it. To me, that's how it comes out."
© Getty Images
One statistic that comes out of the book is the fact that you played more times for Man United in the 1980s than any other player. That must fill you with pride?
"Absolutely. I must admit that I didn't realise that was the case either until Wayne mentioned it. If nothing else has come out of the book, finding out things like that is great. When you remember some of the great players that played for United in the 1980s, to be in such company is a really great thing."
You tell a story in the book about the Neville brothers approaching you while you were playing in Hong Kong, where they told you how they looked up to you because you had come through the academy, just as they did. Looking at the current squad, are United in danger of losing that tradition?
"I certainly hope not. I know that behind the scenes there is just as much hard work going on as ever. Where the 'Class of 92' are concerned, that is never going to be repeated. You hope individuals will still come through, though. I'm sure United will keep looking to do that because that is what they've always done."
Louis van Gaal has been in charge for over 12 months now - what have you made of the job that he has done?
"That's the big question! For me personally, they've lost that little bit of something. Right now it's all about United not getting beat, rather than going out to win. It's been that kind of approach and maybe why people are a little bit unsure. But, if they do go on to win the league, that would all be forgotten."
You talk in the book of United's ability to rescue seemingly lost causes with gung-ho attacking football. Does that mean you don't see that quality in the current United team?
"No, not at the moment - they don't have it in them right now. But, again, they were top of the league a couple of weeks ago and are now in third, so it can't all be negative."
© Getty Images
What about Wayne Rooney? It seems that everyone has a view on the United captain's current form - what's your take?
"Everyone goes through dodgy spells, be it strikers or players in other positions. He's set the standard so very high and I think he would admit himself that he's falling behind that at this present moment in time. Hopefully he comes out the other side better for it."
Is there perhaps a case for suggesting that having played almost week in and week out since the age of 16, the rigours of Premier League, Champions League and international football is catching up with him?
"There is perhaps something in that. As the saying goes, he's no spring chicken in football terms. He came in at a very early age and has not missed that much football apart from the odd injury. Staleness, overkill - whatever you call it, it seems to be creeping in, which is showing in his performances at the moment."
Up the other end of the pitch, David de Gea seems to have slotted straight back in after his move to Real Madrid fell through. You say in the book that Gary Bailey was not a good enough goalkeeper to take United to the next level, so how important was it that De Gea stayed put?
"It was massive for United. There isn't anybody approaching how good he is at the moment, certainly at the club. Whether it's just for this season or not - it's been well documented Real Madrid want him - it was still such a huge thing to keep him at United."
United have not won a trophy since the Premier League title in 2013. With that in mind, how important is it that they win something this season, even if it's the FA Cup?
"From Sir Alex Ferguson's time, you can't expect it, but you certainly hope that it's going to be there. There will be some United fans that probably cannot remember the club not winning a trophy for three years - it's a long time for a club like United not to win anything. The FA Cup is still held in high esteem in some circles and even that would be a good start. They really do need to win something."
Ryan Giggs is being touted as a potential replacement for Van Gaal when he leaves. Is that a decision that you would be in favour of?
"If you're going down the traditional route, you'd go for Ryan. I don't know him as a coach or manager and his credentials, but certainly for continuity that would be the best route. But who knows? Eighteen months is a long time in football."
It's Mick Not Mike, RRP £18.99, can be purchased from Pitch Publishing here.
Liam Apicella
