Gordon Hill is a well-known former player. He had a great career and played for several important teams such as Millwall, Derby County, QPR, and Twente. Most notably, he was an important figure for one of the best teams in the world, Manchester United. He played for the “Red Devils” for three years and made more than 100 appearances. Gordon was part of the United team from 1975 until 1978. He helped the club reach the FA Cup final in 1976, win the FA Cup in 1977, and lift the FA Charity Shield in 1977. Gordon was one of the fans’ favorites during those years and is still remembered for his performances.
The former winger was also part of the England national team and later played for different teams in Canada and the United States, gaining deep knowledge of the situation and evolution of football in both countries.
During an exclusive interview with Roundtable, we spoke with the former Manchester United player about his career, his experience at United, the evolution of football in the USA and Canada, the England national team, and most importantly, the current situation at Manchester United, their performances, the work Ruben Amorim is doing, and the club’s future.
1. You are a well-known former player and played for different teams such as Millwall, Manchester United, Derby County, QPR, and Twente. Which experience was the best for you, and which was the most difficult?
I think playing for all of those clubs gave me experiences at different levels of football and with different qualities of players. Each club gave me something, and I learned from all of them.
2. A very important step in your career was signing for a club like Manchester United and playing there for three years. What do you remember from those moments, and how would you describe your experience at United?
Going from a Second Division team to a First Division team is something you dream about, but to be bought by one of the best clubs in football like Manchester United is something I cannot really explain. You are going to a club that is at the top of the tree.
3. During your time at Manchester United, you won the FA Cup and the FA Charity Shield. What did it mean to win these trophies with such a legendary club?
At the time, United had been relegated and were making their way back to the top. I know because I played against them when they were in the Second Division, and you could already see the quality—they went straight back up. The following season is when I joined them, and wow, it was a young team that wanted everything football could give. We weren’t satisfied with domestic success; we wanted Europe as well, and we were good enough to challenge for it.
4. After your time in England, you decided to continue your career on another continent. Why did you make that decision?
I had left United, or rather was sold, which I didn’t want, but Dave Sexton had other ideas about how he wanted the team to play. He changed the style and got rid of other players as well. I was sold to Derby County, another top First Division team, but it didn’t go well. I badly injured my left knee after a short time, and the surgeon told me I might not play top-class football again. That meant missing out on playing for England. I remember driving back to Manchester after hearing those words. I could have retired, but instead I fought for 11 months to get fit. Still, something was missing. After moving to QPR, I knew I needed a fresh start. As I was always battling with my knee, I was offered a deal in Canada and thought it was the right opportunity for a clean start.
5. How would you describe your time in America and Canada, and the football in those countries?
When I went to Canada, I thought it was a new beginning. I told myself and my wife that if my knee couldn’t handle it, I would give up. But to my surprise, with a lot of hard work and a “don’t care” attitude, I felt better than I had in a long time. My confidence came back. The football was easier to play as the game was still developing, and I was able to help with that development in both countries.
6. As someone who knows American football very well, how do you see the evolution of the game in the country?
It speaks for itself. As the world game has become stronger, so have the USA and Canada. But you can’t cram more than 100 years of football culture into countries with only 25 or 30 years of experience and expect miracles. Progress has been great, but the rest of the world has progressed as well.
7. What differences did you notice between football in Europe and in America in terms of infrastructure, fans, and tactics?
It takes time, and it won’t happen overnight. Development and culture need to be nurtured. You can’t build a culture of excellence quickly; it takes years. Football was a brand-new sport there, so patience was essential. Fans needed education about the rules and the game itself. The NASL brought top players over to help develop the sport and teach young players. There were a lot of hiccups, but they were learning as they grew.
9. As a former Manchester United player, what do you think about the current situation at the club?
Manchester United will always be a top-class club and, more importantly, an institution full of history and a culture of excellence. At the moment, United have lost that culture and their way, but it will change—that’s the beauty of football.
10. What do you think about the work Ruben Amorim is doing this season, and how far can the team go?
Like any manager, he has to choose who he wants and who he doesn’t, who he can buy and who he can sell. He has a clear plan, but he must remember that the culture of Manchester United is excellence. He has big boots to fill to satisfy fans who are used to seeing the best. At the moment, he doesn’t have that, and at United you must be the best because the fans demand results—win, win, and win.
11. As a former attacking player, what do you think about the impact of players like Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško?
They are players who must fit into Amorim’s plans, but one thing is certain: they must produce and carry on the culture. Many players and managers have tried and failed before. That’s the pressure of excellence. Patience is also key, but we know patience is rare in today’s game—and it wasn’t much better in my time either.
12. What do you think about Liverpool’s current problems and the situation with Salah?
Liverpool have their own culture and the same ethics as United. They will go through turmoil just like United have. I’m glad it’s not United’s problem, and I wish them well. Every club has ups and downs.
13. What do you think about this season’s Premier League, and who will win the title?
It’s too close to call. Everyone is beating everyone. One week you lose and drop places; the next week you win and you’re near the top. It’s very tight, and no one is pulling away. I think it will stay that way well after Christmas.
14. What do you think about England’s draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage?
It has been quite straightforward for England based on the opponents. They should reach the quarter-finals. The real test will be against the top nations—that’s when the World Cup really starts.
15. How do you assess England’s recent performances and Tuchel’s work so far?
If England hadn’t achieved results against those opponents, I would have questioned the appointment. Now he has the job, and the World Cup is where I will judge him.
16. Finally, what do you think about the World Cup being held in the USA next year, the favorites to win it, and its impact on American football?
America is very good at hosting big events. It will draw attention, just like the Club World Cup. The audience will be there, but afterward we’ll have to see what remains. For American players, it will be a huge experience, seeing football as a truly global game.