Tinpot, written by Simon Turner, was published earlier this month, and evokes memories of United’s escapades away from the regular football calendar.

After lifting the Milk Cup in 1986, the U’s were a seeded entrant in Soccer Six, an indoor tournament which featured 15-minute games, with six players per team.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were beaten 2-1, before a draw against Chelsea, as the U’s made it to the final against Arsenal.

Michael Thomas put the Gunners in front, with John Aldridge equalising for United, before Paul Swannack netted a late winner for the U’s.

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Soccer Six came about though against the backdrop of hooliganism, as the Football League looked to provide fans with an alterative option.

Turner told this newspaper: “Football was in a pretty down place with hooliganism. The Football League looked at competitions like those in America.

“They were indoors, and aimed at families and young people. Soccer Six became an alternative to the problems in English football at the time.”

In addition to Soccer Six, another tournament which Turner examines is the Anglo-Italian Cup, which in 1973, the U’s competed in.

After draws against Bologna and Torino, United won 2-0 against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, and then beat Como 1-0.

Newcastle United topped the group to make the semi-finals though.

Worthy recognition for the heartbeat of the #oufc side. Already looking at home in the Championship too.

Also good to see Jodi Jones win the PFA League Two player of the year, after grabbing 23 assists in the fourth tier. https://t.co/0CY83h9FJf

— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) August 21, 2024

Turner said of the Anglo-Italian Cup: “It was an unusual cup, and a lot of fans have a lot of fond memories of it.

“It would be great to see some of these obscure competitions come back again, especially for the clubs in the lower leagues.

“If you support a Premier League club, then European competition is a possibility or even a probability, so for lower league clubs, it’s something that might excite fans.”

Discussing the origins of Tinpot, Turner said: “I’d originally come across the idea while writing a previous book, and I’d come across some of the tournaments, and I was intrigued by them.

“I’d heard of them, but didn’t know about the history of them, where they were held, and why they disappeared.

“It quickly became apparent there were a lot of these tournaments, and they warranted their own book.

“Some of the competitions were new to me, and I’d never heard of them, or come across them.”

He added: “An awful lot of work goes into writing a book, and this is the fourth one I’ve had published.

“Each time it’s been a slog, but it’s rewarding and I’m certainly not going to slow down.”

Tinpot is available to buy through Pitch Publishing.