The first of our legendary player profiles is George Best.
(Best pictured with former Man City player Mike Summerbee)
George Best part of a ‘Holy Trinity’ of Manchester United players, alongside Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton, that helped United win several during the 1960’s. This helped the club recover from the tragedy of Munich.
I think I have found you a genius
At the age of just 15, George Best was discovered in Belfast by a Manchester United scout Bob Bishop. A telegram to Matt Busby is reported to have read: "I think I've found you a genius!"
Early days at United
Best made his Manchester United debut on 14th September 1963 against West Brom. Alongside appearances in the club's reserve side, Best made 26 appearances and scored 6 goals during the 1963/1964 season.
The video below contains some of George Best's finest goals.
Success and major trophies at Old Trafford
During his time at Old Trafford, George Best won three major trophies. This was the league title in 1965 and 1967 and then on a glorious night for everyone associated with the club in 1968, Best played a huge part in United winning their first European Cup.
Watch: 1968 European Cup Final. Manchester United v Benfica
It was around this time when Best won the Ballon D'Or. He is still one of the youngest players to have won the award.
George Best and Mike Summerbee in 1975- Best mates throughout the 60’s. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/5PAkI7GzRb
— Ben (@Bred147) December 20, 2019
5 youngest players to win the Ballon d’Or:
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 17, 2020
1. 🇧🇷Ronaldo – 21 years, 3 months and 5 days
2. 🏴Michael Owen – 22 years and 4 days
3. 🇦🇷Leo Messi – 22 years, 5 months and 7 days
4. 🇬🇧George Best – 22 years, 7 months and 2 days
5. 🇺🇦Oleg Blokhin – 23 years, 1 month and 25 days pic.twitter.com/jcbQGzjXiJ
Friendship with Mike Summerbee
Despite the rivalry on the pitch, George Best was very good friends with Mike Summerbee (a Manchester City legend). The tweet below indicates how close they were.
George Best and Mike Summerbee in 1975- Best mates throughout the 60’s. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/5PAkI7GzRb
— Ben (@Bred147) December 20, 2019
Post Manchester United career
George Best's personal problems are well documented but this article will ignore those. It is instead a celebration of how he graced the world of football and wider society.
During his post Man United career, Best played all over the world for many different teams. One of his most celebrated was his spell with New York Cosmos.
George Best legacy
His name is still sung today by fans of Manchester United. This moment is a 2009 Fa Cup match involving Man United and Fulham (another of Best's former teams) where Man United fans treated the world to a full rendition of "We all live in a Georgie Best world..."
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