While it was Southampton's day at Wembley in 1976, it was particularly sweet for United to overcome Liverpool in the following season, and Pearson continued his love affair with the FA Cup after leaving Old Trafford.
In the 1980 final, West Ham United, the last Second Division side to lift the trophy, beat Arsenal 1-0, with Pancho claiming the assist when Trevor Brooking headed home the winner.
"It's flown by," he said of the Saints defeat. "It was a big disappointment for us because we'd worked hard to get back in the First Division after the first year, and then got to the cup final.
"It was fantastic but they had some decent players in their team. Jim McCalliog, my pal from United, when I first joined the club. He was the lad who looked after me because he was the experienced pro.
"Peter Osgood, Micky Channon, you know, big names. The game never really lived up to expectations because both teams just played average and the good thing is now I believe VAR are getting involved and they're going to disallow the goal!
"So we might get some winners' medals!"