Kopel was born in Falkirk and was a Scottish schoolboy international before signing for Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1964. He turned professional in 1966 and made his debut as a substitute in a 2–2 draw at home to Burnley on 9 September 1967.
Kopel was born in Falkirk and represented Scotland as a schoolboy before joining Manchester United at the age of 16 in 1964. He became a professional in 1966 and made his debut off the bench in a 2–2 draw against Burnley on September 9, 1967.