The 1945–46 season was Manchester United's seventh and last season in the non-competitive War League during the Second World War. On 15 February 1945, United manager Walter Crickmer had resigned and four days later on 19 February 1945, the Scottish manager Matt Busby was signed, but it was not until 1 October that Busby officially took over the reins at Manchester United. With the ending of the Second World War, the FA Cup returned, with Manchester United losing 2–3 on aggregate in the cup Fourth Round to Preston North End.