Barton asked for a transfer in 1935 but remained at the club and played in the 1936 FA Cup Final for the Blades in which they lost 1–0 to Arsenal. Despite his form United accepted a £2,500 offer from Spurs in May 1936, a move which Barton rejected. He remained at Bramall Lane and was the club again tried to sell him in 1938 for the same price, this time to Bradford City but again Barton refused to leave. In spite of this he once again asked for a transfer in January 1939 after being the target of abuse from the fans but remained with the club as they gained promotion from Division Two.