First Team
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1st May 2024
As we continue our United for 100 Years celebrations, we’re asking supporters to vote for their ultimate UTD100 starting XI - title-winning hero Maurice Malpas slots in at left-back!
VOTE FOR THE HEROES YOU'D LIKE TO SEE US INCLUDE ON OUR X FEED!
Born and raised in Dunfermline, Malpas' football journey began at Leven Royals before he joined Dundee United under Jim McLean's guidance in 1978.
Initially balancing football with an electrical engineering degree, he turned professional at Tannadice in 1984. Malpas made his debut in November 1981, succeeding the legendary Frank Kopel at left-back.
In 1982/83, he played a pivotal role as we secured our first Scottish Premier Division title, showing great maturity beyond his years during the title-deciding match at Dens Park.
Malpas; outstanding performances continued to earn him his first full international cap for Scotland in June 1984. Malpas remained a key figure in the 1986/87 season, helping United reach the UEFA Cup Final as we narrowly lost out to IFK Gothenburg.
Becoming Club Captain and Player Coach in the late '80s and early '90s, he was named the Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year for the 1990/91 season and, in 1994, was part of the Terrors side which cleared the final hurdle to lift the Scottish Cup.
After two decades and five managers, Malpas retired in 2000 and received a second testimonial. He continued his career as a coach, briefly managing Motherwell and Swindon Town. In 2008, he was inducted into the United Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the club.
