Better known as 'Supermac', he was worshipped at St. James’ Park for his goal scoring feats.
Built like a middle-weight boxer, he was a brash and colourful centre-forward; blessed with electric pace and a thunderous shot. Quite simply, he terrorised defences up and down the country.
A hat-trick against Liverpool on his home debut was an ominous sign of what was to come as Supermac went on to plunder 138 goals for United in only 258 appearances.
A big part of England's national side, he also hit a record five goals against Cyprus at Wembley in 1975.
For those who saw him in his prime, his two goals in the FA Cup semi-final against Burnley at Hillsborough in 1974 were a joy to behold; his unbridled power, pace and strength smashing the Magpies to Wembley.
Macdonald linked up well with fellow strikers John Tudor and Alan Gowling during his five seasons on Tyneside and benefitted also from the midfield supply from Terry Hibbitt.
He cemented his status on Tyneside by netting one of the finest goals ever scored at St. James' Park in August 1975, sending a thunderbolt of a shot beyond Leicester’s Mark Wallington.
He is also credited with scoring United’s fastest ever goal after only four seconds of a friendly encounter at St. Johnstone in 1972.