Born in Southwark, London, Micklewhite began his career as a schoolboy with Manchester United, signing for them in March 1976. He turned professional on 23 March 1978, but despite being a regular in the club's reserve team, he could not break into the first team and signed for Queens Park Rangers on 4 July 1979. He came on a free transfer, signed by former United boss Tommy Docherty, and made his debut in a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers in October 1981. Micklewhite came on as a substitute for Clive Allen in the 1982 FA Cup Final and started the replay, scoring a goal which was disallowed. In all, Micklewhite played 97 league games scoring 11 goals for QPR before moving to Derby County in 1985.