 Connaughton joined the Manchester United groundstaff in January 1965, signing as an apprentice in May the same year.He turned professional in October 1966, but would have to wait almost six years for his United debut, despite playing three games for England youth in 1967 and 1968.In the meantime he was loaned to Halifax Town in September 1969, and to Torquay United from October 1971 to April 1972, both in the Third Division.