Pearson was signed by Manchester United as an amateur in December 1935 and turned professional in May 1937. His first senior game came against Chesterfield in 1937. When his career was interrupted by the war, he served with the 2nd/4th Lancashires.
He retired in 1953 with 148 career goals (good for 9th in team history) in 343 appearances, with just two goals behind Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Pearson went on to average more than one goal every two games in three years at Bury before his playing career ended with two years at Chester from 1957 to 1959. At 40 years, 101 days, Pearson remains the oldest player to make a Football League appearance for the club when he played his final match against Crewe Alexandra on 22 April 1959.
Upon his retirement, Pearson was a popular appointment as Chester manager after John Harris moved to Sheffield United. After retiring from football Pearson became sub-postmaster of Prestbury Post Office in Cheshire.
He died at Alderley Edge, Cheshire, in February 1997.
He was 78 years old.