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About The greatest football team in the world

THE A - Z OF MANCHESTER UNITED
A

AIG
AIG (American International Group) became the new shirt sponsors of Manchester United in July 2006. it was a British record deal worth £56.5 million over four years. Although unknown to most people in Britain, AIG is the fourth-largest company in the world according to the 2006 Forbes business magazine. Their HQ is in New York and the AIG corporate logo is in fact white text on a blue background, however this was allowed to be red as to not clash with the United shirt.

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Albiston, Arthur: 1974-1988
Edinburgh born Arthur Albiston was a full-back for United for over ten years, from 1974-88. A homegrown player from the youth system, he signed for United as a trainee in July 1972 and turned professional in July 1974.

Often described as an unsung hero, he was a solid, reliable player in the Denis Irwin mould who gave consistent performances every time. Only 6 players have made more appearances for United than Albiston who played under five different managers.

He played in four FA Cup finals winning three winners' medals in 1977, 1983, and 1985 which was a club record at the time (equalled by Mark Hughes). Albiston left for West Brom in 1988 when Alex Ferguson decided to rebuild the defence around younger players.
Nationality
Scotland
Date of Birth
14/7/1957
Appearances
464 (18)
Goals Scored
7

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Anfield
Home of hated rivals Liverpool, this stadium looks a bit duff as none of the four sides seem to match in anyway. Its all bits and pieces and doesn't seem to have any design or idea behind it whatsoever - maybe thats why they're knocking it down to move to a new stadium down the road. The old Kop stand, the symbol of Liverpool's 80s dominance which 30,000 Scousers used to piss down, is long gone. As is ironically the days of Liverpool being the top side in Britain. United have always done well at Anfield and recently

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Arsenal FC
United's perennial adversaries since the late 1990's, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger appeared from nowhere with a double in 1998 to mess up United's dominance of English football. The 1999 Treble put the Arse firmly back in their place and reinstated United as the best in England once again for a few years.

Arsenal struck back by winning the League (and at Old Trafford of all places to rub it in) in 2002. United retaliated by taking the title off them the following season in 2003 and then Arsenal upped the ante again by going unbeaten all season in 2004.

United triumphed in the FA Cup Semi-final that year but when the two met in the FA Cup final of 2005 Arsenal ground out a shockingly negative 0-0 and won on penalties.

The Gooners club and supporters have undergone a metamorphosis under Arsene Wenger. Once they were the fans who took huge pleasure in seeing their team win by the smallest, most boring margin possible - one bleeding nil. Boring gits were drawn to Arsenal like flies around donkey excrement.

Arsenal FC had been boring the crap out of people for so long the boringness had become genetic, for no-matter who the players or the manager, Arsenal still ended up with the same old one-nil mentality. Their single only redeeming feature was that last minute League title win over Liverpool in 1989 (and only then because we hate the Scouse rubbish even more).

Then suddenly it was all change and they became lovers of attacking, exciting football under Monsieur Wenger. The old dull, negative English Arsenal was dead, replaced by a stylish attack minded French continental side. But while the Arse are admittedly good to watch there is a downside. They ruin it all by being the most bad tempered, arrogant shower of cheating pansies ever to grace English football.

Add in the fact Wenger is one of the most bitter, short-sighted ("I did not did not see ze incident"), arrogant, humourless, bad losers in the Premiership and a policy of total neglect of British born players with Arsenal fielding 11 foreigners - there is plenty to dislike about the "new" Arsenal.

Every clash with Arsenal is a bitter battle that takes weeks for the media and FA to resolve. Fergie hates Wenger and Wenger hates Fergie. Too much bile has been spilt for that to ever change and this hatred translates onto the players.

The two clubs have shared many famous and fantastic bust ups: The October 1990 mass brawl that cost both teams points, the Ruud van Nistelrooy missed penalty fracas of September 2003, "Pizzagate" in 2004 (after United ended that unbeaten run), Roy Keane in the tunnel with Patrick Vieira in 2005....Such is the hatred between the two clubs and managers it has grown to overshadow even that of Liverpool and Man City....long may it continue!!!!!

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Aston, John: 1965-1972
John Aston was a product of the United youth system and played as a deep laying forward in the great side of the 1960's. Aston was a quick player with loads of determination and strength. He arrived at Old Trafford in 1965 but it wasn't until 1967 that he won a League Championship medal with the Reds.

Mostly he will probably be remembered for his superb performance in the 1968 European Cup Final. Here, Aston had arguably the best game of his career to help United win the European Cup. His father, John Aston, Senior, also played for the Red's in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Nationality
England
Date of Birth
28/6/1947
Appearances
164 (21)
Goals Scored
27

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Atkinson, Ron: 1981-1986
Ron Atkinson, Manchester United manager from 1981-86 would probably have been considered sucessful by most clubs. In the league his United teams regularily finished in the top four and he brought the FA Cup to Old Trafford in 1983 and 1985 (after a glorious win over Everton). However, Manchester United are not most clubs, it was the illusive League title that the fans desperately craved and eventually he paid for not delivering.

Liverpool born Big Ron was a flash character, loud, outspoken, with bags of jewellery he was the antithesis of Dave Sexton on his arrival at Old Trafford in June 1981. The United fans loved him....until it all went wrong. United had finished 3rd or 4th for a few season's but the 1985-86 season saw United start with a stunning 10 wins-in-a-row. United seemed certain to finally take the League title from Liverpool's grasp but they quickly faded out by January and ended up finishing 4th again!!!! In the fans eyes it now became obvious Ron had taken the team as far as he could.

In fairness, his managerial plans were never helped by the injuries to the highly influential Captain Bryan Robson, whom without United often struggled and gave rise to criticism that they were a "one-man team". Atkinson was a big spender, dipping into the transfer market regularily and smashed the record transfer fee with the £1.7 million arrival of Robson in 1981.

He did however buy his share of dodgey players such as Alan Brazil, Colin Gibson and Peter Davenport but talents like Robbo, Stapleton, Hughes, Whiteside and McGrath meant his United teams were still quality outfits, sides who scored goals and played entertaining football. They could reach the heights and beat Liverpool at Anfield or Barcelona but lacked the consistency to beat the lesser teams week in, week out. Perhaps with a bit more luck they just might have been champions but it wasn't to be.

Fans and club official's lost patience with Big Ron as United slumped to 19th in the table in November 1986. However it was still a surprise when he was sacked as many thought Martin Edwards would give him time to turn things around. Fergie was quickly appointed his successor and the rest is history. Atkinson's cup success's at United and later Aston Villa/Sheffield Wednesday, illustrate that he was more of a cup competition specialist than a league championship campaigner.

Atkinson retired from football management in 1999 to become a television pundit with ITV. After a controversial racial outburst he was sacked in 2004 but now works as a Director of Football at Conference North side Kettering Town.

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B

Bailey, Gary: 1978-1987
Gary Bailey kept goal for United from 1978-87. Though born in Ipswich he spent his youth in South Africa. His father was also a goalkeeper and no doubt this rubbed off on Gary for in 1978 made hsi debut for United on 18th November in a 2-0 win at home to Ipswich Town.

He was a fine keeper able to pull off magnificent saves, most importantly in the last minute of the 1983 FA Cup Final when he denied Gordon Smith a winner for Brighton.

His main weakness was an inability to deal with crosses. He won two FA Cup medals in 1983 and 1985 before a knee injury forced him out of the United side in 1987 in favour of Jim Leighton. Gary served under three United manager's: Dave Sexton, Ron Atkinson and Alex Ferguson.

He now works as an anchor man on televison for a South African football show covering Premiership games.
Nationality
England
Date of Birth
9/8/1958
Appearances
373
Clean sheets
160

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Barthez, Fabien: 2001-2004
A World Cup winner with France in 1998 Fabien Barthez captured the French peoples imagination with his performances and the bizarre ritual in which Lauren Blanc would kiss his bald head before each game. He arrived at Old Trafford in August 2001 with a reputation for being a character with many weird eccentricities. However, his first season was a triumph as he answered all thet questions about how he would handle rainy Manchester compared to sunny Monaco.

Barthez performed brilliantly throughout the season and became a real favourite with the fans. The fans loved his eccentric behaviour, his taunting dribbles and step-overs past opposing strikers, not to mention most importantly, those awesome reaction saves. Very often was it was critical saves that kept United from defeat or dropping valuable points.

The 2001-2002 season was split into two parts for him. In the first half he had a nightmare. The Frenchman had always been outlandish but he seemed to be taking more risks outside his penalty area, more dribbling, more clowning than goalkeeping. Against Arsenal he made two critical errors which gave Arsenal a 3-1 win, at Anfield he gifted Liverpool a goal from a fumbled cross and at home to Deportivo made two crazy mix-ups with Wes Brown giving the Spaniards two goals.

There was much speculation as to what was the source of Barthez's decline, critics urged him to be dropped and there was talk of United selling him. However, Sir Alex Ferguson had faith in his goalkeeper and stuck by him. Consequently in the second half of the season, Barthez repaired his reputation with consistent, solid performances and the spectacular saves that he was famous for.

In 2002-2003 Fabien helped United create the best defensive record in the Premiership wth a more steady approach. One highlight was a fabulous save to deny Deitmar Hamann's 30 yard rocket at Anfield as United held on to win 2-1. On the downside, the Frenchman seemed to pick up a lot of injuries, noticeably in games which he had just conceded a goal.

He was also widely criticised in United's exit to Real Madrid in the Champions League, especially for Ronaldo's opener which beat him to the near post. It would prove to be his last ever game as the managers patience had finally run out. Sir Alex dropped the Frenchman for the final 3 games of the season and condemned him to the reserves the following seasn as newly signed keeper Tim Howard flourished. Eventually Barthez was loaned out to Marseille in January 2004 and United released him to join the French club for free.

Nationality
France
Date of Birth
28/6/1971
Appearances
138
Clean sheets
48

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Beckham, David United Legend -
What can be written about David Beckham that hasn't already been said? Undoubtedly the most famous footballer in Britain, if not the world, Beckham is the most talked about, the most copied, the most ridiculed and the most idolised. When he changes his hairstyle or goes shopping it gets more coverage in the media than many of the wars currently raging around the world.
At Manchester United he became more than a player, he became a global sporting icon. His pop-star wife and superstar media lifestyle led to him becoming as much a celebrity as footballer. His endless stream of commercial sponsorship deals and self-promotion led to criticism of him being more a marketing brand than a sportsman.

In the end the Beckham celebrity bandwagon threatened to rival even the most famous football club on the planet. But this should not cloud the fact that once he put on the red shirt, United fans didn't care about any of it. What he did on the pitch was all that mattered. And his football talents are undeniable.

A fantastic passer and crosser of the ball, both long and short with a variety and range of passing that was quite phenomenal. One of the best in the world at hitting long, defence-splitting passes, from out on the wings or centre of midfield, his pinpoint crosses were deadly ammo for United's forwards.

Beck's created a new type of wing play, no running or dribbling was necessary for he could bypass defenders with a lethal cross into the box. Few would argue he is the world's best free-kick expert: the result of long hours spent on the training pitch honing his talents to perfection. Possessed with a ferocious shot, he can and did score many spectacular goals. Add to this a high work rate with tireless off-the-ball runs and back-tracking, constantly running and moving, full of tireless energy right to the final whistle.

Beckham a player moulded by in the image of Ferguson, determined to be a winner and fight till the final whistle. The United fans loved most of all the fact Becks was red through and through, born and bred. He was part of the spirit of the club in the mid 1990's onwards that said "the more you hate us the more we like sticking it up you and proving you wrong."

Cockney Red

After winning the Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills finals aged 11 in 1986, Beckham was approached by Manchester United scouts. At the age of 12 he was already ear-marked as a star of the future by Fergie who used to take the young superstar to meet the stars of the day in the United dressing room when they played in London. His parents decided he should finish his school years so it wasn't until 1991 that he became a trainee, before signing professional in 1993. His debut came as a sub at Brighton in September 1992 but it was two years later that his first full starting appearance came against Galatasaray in Nov 1994, a game in which he scored. Beckham was later loaned out to Preston NE for 5 games to gain first team experience and in April 1995 he made his full League debut against Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Beckham soon rose to prominence in the 1996 season as one of "Fergie's Fledglings" announcing his arrival as a 1st team regular with a cracking 30 yard effort at Aston Villa. The sale of Andrei Kanchelskis and the manager's faith in his young stars gave Beckham his opportunity. Excelling in the wide right position despite his preference for a central role Becks was influential in helping United to the League and FA Cup double. He scored a memorable brace at home to Notts Forest to put United on track for the title and a vital equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

He really hit the headlines in 1996-97 with his goal of the season against Wimbledon, a 55 yard lob from the half-way line on the opening day. Soon the media couldn't get enough of him. After season of great performances, growing reputation for spectacular long range goals and with his girlfriend a Spice Girl (then at the height of their short lived success), all added up to make David Beckham a national celebrity.

World Cup scapegoat

He helped the Reds win the title comfortably again in 1997 and was fast-tracked into the English national team. After a very disappointing end to the 1998 season in which United lost the League to Arsenal, Beckham's world fell apart in the personal nightmare that became France 98. Despite scoring a brilliant free-kick against Columbia, he was sent off against Argentina in the quarter-finals for petulantly kicking Diego Simeone.
A yellow card would have been apt punishment but the referee produced a red. England went down to 10-men and drew 2-2, then lost on penalties. Media and rival fans harshly blamed him for England's eventual exit, saying that, down to 10 men he had wrecked their hopes of winning the game and the entire tournament. The midfielder now became a figure of national hatred the like of which is rarely seen.

Critics eat their words

The 1998-99 season began with doubts over his future in English football and his every touch of the ball greeted with boos from opposition fans. In this dark time the only light came from the club and fans who responded by giving him their total unflinching support. It needed character in the face of adversity and Beckham showed he had character in bucketloads. Hell became heaven as he affirmed himself as one of the world's best players during United's Treble triumph. The ghosts of World Cup 1998 were well and truly laid to rest as Beckham became the great footballer he was always meant to be.
The season's highlights where his superb free kicks against Leicester, Barcelona, Brondby, Everton and Aston Villa. His quality of crossing was exceptional, providing crucial goals against Inter Milan (his revenge on Simeone and his growth as a sportsman), Liverpool and Barcelona (home and away). Not forgetting his long range goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final and vital strike against Spurs on the last day of the season.

A memorable image will always be the final minutes of European Cup final, as United desperately chased an equaliser, there was Beck's running his heart out to win a corner - which he took and Sheringham scored. When Beckham danced on the pitch with the European Cup in the Nou Camp his redemption was complete.

World superstar

The 1999-2000 season was a mixed one for Beckham, as he undoubtedly played better after February than he had all season. There was a barrage of media attention and criticism at his lack of goals/assists and it reached a peak just before United met Leeds in February for a crucial Premiership game. Beckham had missed a training session, resulting in a blazing argument with Ferguson and subsequent dropping from the team.

It seemed for a short while he could be sold with Arsenal, Barcelona, Inter mentioned. But in the end Beckham backed down accepting the managers' decision - and his form was much the better for it. When he changed his haircut to a skinhead before the game with Leicester it was front page news and sporting the new barnet he went on a run of goal-scoring that had eluded him previously. His crossing, however, was as lethal as ever as was his famous free-kicks, evident that season against Croatia Zagreb, Leicester, West Ham and Southampton. Not forgetting of course, the sublime solo goal against Real Madrid in the 3-2 defeat.

2000-2001 started off brilliantly for Beckham. He was on top form and couldn't stop scoring: A great goal against Bradford, free-kicks against Ipswich, West Ham, Leeds, Coventry and the winner in the Manchester derby against City after only 2 minutes. However the second half of the season was disappointing as form dipped and he failed to recapture the early highs, most notably in European games where his wing play was neutralised.

The media obsession with him was growing with the release of his own book, a special ITV documentary and his continuing advertising work for Adidas and Pepsi. On United's trip to the far East he was met with thousands of screaming fan's not unlike the Beatles.

England Captain

A huge personal achievement was being appointed England Captain by Sven Goran Eriksson in January 2001. It was role Beckham took on with pride and enthusiasm and it coincided with a run of goal-scoring form for him in the national side. He netted a fine goal against Finland at Anfield in March, then, sporting that famous Mohican haircut, a fabulous free-kick against Mexico in May followed by another set-piece scorcher against Greece in June. It at Old Trafford was against Greece again in October 2001 where Beckham became a real national hero. England were 2-1 down but his now legendary last-minute free-kick made it 2-2 and meant qualification for the 2002 World Cup Finals. The images of Captain Beckham fighting for every ball and running himself into the ground during that game will live long in the memory.
For United he had his most prolific scoring season ever in 2001-2002 scoring 16 goals. The most spectacular efforts came against Deportivo away - a 30 yard scorcher, West Ham - were he scored a sublime 25 yard lob over David James and Tottenham, where he scored a cracker in the 5-3 victory. He also scored several free-kicks and took a couple of penalties.

It was around the middle of the season however, that Beckham looked tired and jaded. This resulted in Fergie resting him for over a month. He returned much better in the New Year but his season was ended prematurely with a malicious tackle by Deportivo's Pedro Duschler. The broken the metatarsal bone in his foot brought national panic fearing Beckham would miss the World Cup.

Sadly for United his injury came at a critical part of the season and the right wing was certainly unbalanced for the Semi-Final against Leverkusen. The season for United and Becks did end on a positive note though. On May 11th after nearly a year of negotiation, Beckham signed a £90,000 a week deal designed to keep him at Old Trafford until the end of June, 2005.

In the Japan/Korea World Cup, Beckham-mania swept Japan and he scored the memorable winning penalty against Argentina to finally complete his revenge for France 98. He captained England to the Quarter-final, where Brazil finally ended their World Cup dream with a 2-1 defeat.

The Real deal

The following season Beckham and United got off to an in-different start. Goal highlights were a clever lob at home to Birmingham, the winner at Aston Villa, two against Real Madrid and a cracking free kick at Everton on the final day in what turned out to be his final game. A fractured rib injury in November put him out of action and just like the season before, Becks found himself on the bench for an extended period.
Ole Solskjaer laid claim to right midfield position but Beckham was soon starting again by January. It was in February that the biggest moment of the season occurred, when after the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, a livid Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the dressing room. The boot went flying through the air and hit, of all players, David Beckham, above the eye leaving a cut requiring stitches. The incident was massive news and the media speculated it was the final straw for given his past bust up's with Fergie.

Despite suspiciously ominous denials from the Spanish team, rumours began of his transfer to Real Madrid. This grew to new levels after Fergie dropped the England captain for the mega-games against Arsenal and Madrid. It was clear to all that Sir Alex no longer saw him as the essential player he had once been. Fans had noticed in recent years that he could be neutralised with clever deployment of wing backs to prevent his crosses and passing game. It was once unthinkable but now Manchester United could cope without David Beckham.

David was clearly hurt at sitting on the bench and after the Madrid defeat told his agent to tell the big clubs of Europe he was ready to leave. When Becks scored at home game to Charlton, his last game at Old Trafford - he seemed to make an tearful goodbye to the fans. But within days he declared he wasn't going anywhere and still loved playing for Manchester United as he collected another Championship medal.

However, it turned out to be a stalling tactic. In early June 2003 United announced they had agreed a fee with Barcelona for Beckham for £23 million knowing full well that he was negotiating with Real Madrid.

As suspected all along, Beckham had wanted to go to the Bernabeu giants and they wanted to add him to their "galaxy" of stars - a clandestine deal was made as far back as early May. The Barca deal was always a non-starter, the United PLC simply wanted to bring the matter to a head, coupled with the fact Sir Alex was all too willing to now cash in on his star midfielder. Things progressed quickly and on the late evening of June 17th news broke, United had agreed a fee £24.5m with Real, eventually sealed on the 2nd July.

Conclusion

Fans were divided on the impact of his departure, some thought it was a serious error on the part of Ferguson, others believed the time was right for change. In hindsight Ferguson has been proved right. After his move to the Bernabeu, Becks never reached the heights that he did at United and while he became ever richer in monetary terms, he never won a single medal with the misfiring, crisis ridden "Galacticos". With his England career over after World Cup 2006, aged only 31 Beckham made a decision in January 2007 to move to the footballing backwater of the MLS with LA Galaxy in a money-spinning deal potentially worth up to £128 million.

While he might not be on a level with George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona or Roy Keane, David Beckham will be looked upon as a Manchester United legend. He contributed greatly to the club's success in the last ten years through his passing, determination, free-kicks, goals and by having a true fan's passion for the club - something missing from so many modern footballers.

United will go on with new heroes and new adventures but we'll always remember the young lad who came up through the Old Trafford youth system and became the most famous football player on the planet. Beckham played for the Reds at the greatest period in the club's history so far and it was also the greatest period of his football career. A global celebrity he may have become but playing in the red of Manchester United was were David Beckham "the footballer" will be remembered most.

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Beckham trivia

When he was twelve he won a Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills award, which was presented to him at Old Trafford on a match day. The prize included a trip to the Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona.

He supported Manchester United as a boy, mainly because his father is also a United fan. Beckham once turned up for a trial at Tottenham wearing a United kit.

Beckham together with his wife are worth roughly £65 million (Times Rich List).

"10 heroic lions, one stupid boy" was the Daily Mirror headline after Beckham's sending off against Argentina. They also later published a dartboard with his head in the middle.

Beckham is Jewish on his maternal grandfather's side. He and his wife dabble in the mystic Jewish offshoot of Kabbalah but given he is friends with Tom Cruise, (who advised him to move to LA Galaxy) perhaps a conversion to Scientology awaits?

He has sponsorship deals with Adidas, Castrol motor oil, Pepsi, Brylcreem, Diesel and Gillette.

His range of cars include a Hummer H2, Mercedes S500 (armour plated), Lincoln Navigator Bentley Arnage (£170,000), Jaguar XK8 BMW X5 Chrysler Grand Voyager Aston Martin DB7 and a Ferrari 360 Spider.

Tattoo's: Beckham has his son's name "Brooklyn", tattooed on his lower back, a large Angel on his upper back, another angle on the back of his neck, his wife's name "Victoria" spelt (incorrectly) in Hindi on his arm and a Roman Numeral VII (seven) on his other arm.

No stranger to Fashion shows and magazine photo shoots, he once famously wore a Sarong in public, then a bandana.

A one-foot high gold statue of Beckham was placed in Bangkok's Pariwas Buddhist Temple alongside about 100 other statues of minor deities - a spot normally reserved for angels. Sculptor, Thongruang Haemhod made the idol to keep Beckham's memory alive for the next thousand years.

He was the subject of a 12 week course at Staffordshire University which started in 1999.

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Berg, Henning: 1997-2000
Henning Berg was a central defender with United from 1997-2000 during which time he won 2 Premier League titles in 1997,99 and the Champions League in 1999. Berg was signed from Blackburn Rovers in August 1997 for £5 Million. His aerial ability, ball-winning and positional skills as well as a composed style served United well.

He regularly formed a defensive partnership with fellow Norwegian Ronny Johnsen, which was continued at International level for Norway whom Berg has played over 75 times. He most famous moment is probably the off-the-line clearances that stopped Inter Milan scoring at Old Trafford and the San Siro in the Champions League Quarter Final of 1999.

Berg had his best season in 1999 but after injury failed to regain a regular first team place. After a spell on loan in December 2000 he returned to Blackburn Rovers.

Nationality
Norway
Date of Birth
1/9/19 69
Appearances
103 (21)
Goals Scored
3

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Berry, Johnny: 1951-1958
An excellent crosser of the ball, with a powerful shot, Johnny Berry was a speedy right winger with excellent ball control, who won three League Championship medals in 1952, 56 and 57. Berry was one of only two players left in the side from the Championship winning team of 1952 when United triumphed in the 1956-57 season and was also an F.A. Cup finalist in 1957. He also gained four England caps. The Munich air crash meant he never played again, such was the severity of his injuries.

Nationality
England
Date of Birth
1/6/1926
Appearances
273
Goals Scored
44

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Best, George United Legend
Genius, magician, legend, George Best is perhaps the most naturally talented footballer ever to walk on the face of the planet. Best was simply the complete player. Pele, Cruyff, Maradona - all were superb but Best had a bit of each in his game and more.

He could beat opponents with skill and dazzling tricks, swerving through defences like a skier on a slathom course, or go past them with a burst of devastating speed. For him, gravity was something that affected other people, Bestie seemed to zip across the pitch with the ball tied to his foot.

He could shoot brilliantly with either foot and out-jump much taller opponents to win the ball in the air. Imbued with the confidence and arrogance to try absolutely anything, Best would often make a fool of some of the games greatest players.

Despite his slight frame, he had tremendous physical strength and resilience, along with an almost unnatural elasticity of limb and torso. George was strong enough to take the knocks and abuse from the less talented players who would try to hack him out of the game. In an age where players did not receive protection from referees and the so called "hard-men" played the game, Best took it all on the chin and triumphed regardless. When he tried one trick too many and lost the ball he would fight twice as hard to get it back.

Playing as a winger and sometimes striker, he would inspire his team and bring a crowd, home or away, to its feet. The man from Belfast was born with a wonderful gift, however with this gift came the penalty of a wild destructive streak that would always cast a shadow on his career.

The Genius from Belfast

It was obvious to Sir Matt Busby from the outset that the skinny 16 year old from East Belfast's Cregagh Estate was something extra-special. United's Northern Ireland scout Bob Bishop famously sent a telegram Busby that read: "I believe I've found you a genius."

Best made his league debut for United in 1963 aged 17 and won an international cap before he turned 18. It wasn't long before he was a household name throughout Britain. George was perhaps the most important member of the great United team which won the League Championship twice in the 1960's.

By 1966, George Best superstar had arrived, especially after his magnificent performance in United's 5-1 thrashing of Benfica in Lisbon where he scored twice. Stepping off the plane the Portuguese press dubbed him "El Beatle".

The peak at 22

After five years of playing breathtaking football his place in history was secured in 1968 - United became the first English team to win the European Cup and Best scored a superb solo goal in the final against Benfica. He later claimed that having beaten round the Benfica keeper he wanted to take the ball up to the line stop it, lie down on the ground and head the ball over the line. Only a truly special sort of player would even have considered such an outrageous act in a game of such importance.

In 1968 he was at his peak at only 22 years of age. That year he also deservedly won both the English and European Footballer of the Year awards. He was also the club's top scorer that year with 28 goals, and for the following four seasons. In 1970 he scored six goals in an 8-2 win over Northampton in the FA Cup, the most goals ever scored in a single match by any United player.

Bestie goals captured on television, such as the dazzling runs against Sheffield United, Chelsea, West Ham and the delicate lob against Spurs have become all-time classics. And who knows what other gems he scored in an age before blanket television coverage, great goals that now live on only in the memories of those lucky to have been there at the time.

The first pop-star footballer

Nicknamed "the fifth Beatle", he was one of the most famous stars in Britain during the 1960s. Best was the first pop-star footballer, a personification of youth culture and the swinging sixties.

He had the good looks, the style and the girls went mad for him with Best getting 10,000 fan letters a week. This had never happened to a footballer before. Sadly it was this pop star image that proved his eventual downfall, for he began to live the lifestyle of a pop star, and not a footballer.

Best himself once said, "If I'd been ugly, you'd never have heard of Pele". The alcohol, women and wild nights spent partying would ultimately shorten his career and lead to severe health problems later on.

As he became a casualty of intense media attention, George could not concentrate on football without being hounded everywhere by paparazzi. He opened a night club and a number of fashion boutiques which were not a success, while a string of famous actress/model girlfriend's meant he was under incredible media scrutiny.

The decline

Once Sir Matt retired in 1969 it was downhill for the Ulsterman as he became increasingly rebellious and erratic. Busby's successors, Frank O'Farrell and Tommy Docherty lacked his fatherly influence on Best. The United team was in decline and Best found it hard to take.

Seeing United beaten by teams they used to hammer a few years ago was painful and his love for football slowly diminished. He took solace in the bottle with drinking and partying taking over his entire life. He was now frequently missing training and failing to turn up for games.

In 1972 he announced his retirement at only 26 but was persuaded back by Docherty. The comeback was not a success and George left United for good on New Years Day 1974, his final game against QPR.

Post-United Years

He then played for numerous other clubs, most notably Fulham (76-77) with the outlandish ex Manchester City star, Rodney Marsh. Then there was Stockport County, Hibernian and USA soccer teams L.A. Aztecs (1976-78) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (78-79) and San Jose Earthquakes (80-81). Even though not as fit as in his prime, the incredible skills were still apparent, no one could ever take that away from him.

George finally ended his football career with Bournemouth in 1983, although went on to play in many charity and friendly matches. In the 1990's he established himself as a successful sports commentator with Sky Sports and after dinner speaker. Though playing for many clubs, it was still clear that Manchester United were the only team that truly remained close to Best's heart - he was a red through and through.

In 2000 Best's health reached rock bottom due to liver damage caused by his years of alcoholism. However, in July 2002 he had a successful liver transplant operation and made a full recovery. Personal problems continued to hound him as he divorced for a second time and was unable to beat the bottle.

On 1st October, 2005, George entered the Cromwell hospital with flu-like symptoms, later suffering a kidney infection. He was susceptible to infection because of medicines needed after the liver transplant and his condition deteriorated sharply in the next month when it spread to his lungs.

Ironcially his death was played out much the same way as his life, in a blaze of media coverage. Though he fought on for far longer than doctors ever expected, on 25th November, George Best lost his battle for life. In Belfast, Manchester and around the world, the whole of football was in mourning at the death of a legend.

A week later on 3rd December, the Belfast Boy came home to his native city for the final time. 100,000 people lined the streets and grounds of Stormont for the funeral of Northern Ireland's greatest sporting hero.

Conclusion

There are many regrets for Best, such as ending his career early and never displaying his phenomenal skills in the World Cup Finals. However, when you look at the positive things he brought to British football, the moments of sheer breath-taking excitement, the glory of 1968, the lifestyle he led, George Best has lived more than most of us ever will.

Let us also not forget he played for ten seasons at United - Eric Cantona spent only five and few modern day players will have a career as long in the red shirt. George Best's life on the surface is the classic story of the wayward genius who had it all and supposedly threw it all away.

However, pundits tend to overlook that it was this wild self-destructive streak that made him the player he was. Genius often goes hand in hand with some sort of eccentric quality, a quality that gives that creative spark others do not possess.

Just a month before his death he said "People will remember me for my football" and that is ultimately what will last the test of time. George Best will live on as a football icon forever. Blessed with unbelievable skill, he was a genius the like of which may never come again. A player that took the game to a different level, a level which mere footballing mortals can only gaze up at, in wonder, awe and sheer exhilaration.

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Best trivia

George lived in a house on Burren Way in the Cregagh Estate. A special plaque He was the eldest child of Dickie and Anne, Best was brother to Carol, Barbara, Julie, Grace and Ian.

He supported Wolverhampton Wanderers as a boy.

Best and fellow Ulsterman Eric McMordie were both offered trials by United. Best was offered a contract but McMordie returned home. He eventually played for Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland.

George "worked" for the Manchester Ship Canal Company as a clerk, because technically United were not allowed to sign him until he reached 17.

George opened two nightclubs in Manchester, in the late 1960s. One was named 'Oscar's' the other one called Slack Alice's. George also owned Fashion Boutique's, in partnership with Mike Summerbee of Manchester City.

In 1969 he built a futuristic house in near Bramhall, Cheshire, at a cost of £30,000. The modernist split-level design was encased in glass with a flat roof and had all the latest hi-tec gadgets. He suffered fans continually besieging the house and eventually sold it after only three years.

In 1971 playing for Northern Ireland, he famously kicked the ball out of Gordon Banks hands during a goal kick and put the ball in the net only for the referee to disallow it. Two weeks later he tried it again against Pat Jennings and the goal was given.

In 2001 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Queen's University, Belfast and in 2002 he was made a Freeman of the Borough of Castlereagh (a local council in Belfast).

Best is buried at Roselawn cemetery beside his mother's grave, in the Castlereagh Hills just outside Belfast.

There are several street murals in Belfast depicting Best in his playing days. There is also a statue planned at Belfast City Hall and possibly the new Northern Ireland stadium will be named after him.

Belfast City Airport was renamed "George Best Belfast City Airport" in his honour on 22nd May 2006.

George Best features on the back of 1 million limited edition banknotes from the Northern Ireland based Ulster Bank released in November 2006.

Best quote: "I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered"

Best quote: "I went missing quite alot...... Miss England, Miss Wales, Miss world....."

Best quote: "In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life."

Best quote on why he went to America: "I was driving through London when I saw an advert saying 'Drink Canada dry' "

Best quote on his liver transplant blood transfusion: "I was in for 10 hours and had 40 pints - beating my previous record by 20 minutes."

Best quote: "Pele called me the greatest footballer in the world, that is the ultimate salute to my life."

Best quote: "If I had been born ugly, you would never have heard of Pelé"

Best quote: "When I die I'd like to be remembered as the greatest footballer of all time. When that day comes, they won't talk about the booze, the women, the fast cars. They'll talk about the football"

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Birtles, Garry: 1980-1982
Forward Garry Birtles had the unfortunate fate of being perhaps Manchester United's biggest ever flop. Deadly in front of goal with Nottingham Forest within two years of his arrival he was a European Cup winner scoring crucial goals that took the midlands team to glory. He won two back to back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 and a league title in 1978.

In 1980, Dave Sexton took him to United for a record fee of £1.25 million. Birtles endured a nightmare start - He took almost an entire year from 22 October 1980 until 19 September 1981 vs Swansea City (h), to score his first United goal - 30 games. He did bag 11 more goals in his next 32 but the damage was done and a cut-price £250,000 sale back to the Forest ended the ordeal. Sexton's blunder went a big way to ensuring he soon got the sack.

Nationality
England
Date of Birth
27/7/1956
Appearances
63 (1)
Goals Scored
12

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Blanc, Laurent: 2001-2003
Sir Alex Ferguson had unsuccessfully attempted to lure veteran French defender Laurent Blanc to Old Trafford three times in the past but with the sudden departure of Jaap Stam, United needed a quick replacement with only 5 days before the Champions League transfer deadline. Finally at the 4th attempt the Frenchman signed for United on a free transfer on a one year contract on 30th August 2001. United became the ninth club of an eventful career that had began way back in 1983 and had saw him win a World Cup winners medal in 1998.

United fans were at first alarmed at the arrival of a 35 year old and by his obvious lack of pace. Blanc quickly became the focus of critics as the team was badly leaking goals. But this was unfair for he didn't make a single error during that period, the problems were simply that those defenders around him were not playing well and it was easy to blame the newcomer.

By the second half of the season United had solved their defensive woes and the big man was a towering presence. The Frenchman was impressive in the air, scoring four times from headed corners. It was his composure under pressure that stood out the most though, the cool-as-a-cucumber Blanc seemed to have never heard of the word "panic". United fans soon began calling him "Larry White" and he still did his famous "Barthez head kissing ritual", made famous in France 98, but only before every Champions League game.

In July 2002, after coaxing by Ferguson, Laurent agreed to postpone his retirement and stay another year at Old Trafford. After playing most of the games in the first half of the 2002-2003 season, now at the age of 37, he was used him primarily as a reserve for the title run in. After winning a Premiership medal with the triumphant United team in May 2003, Blanc finally retired, bringing to a close a career lasting two decades.

Nationality
France
Date of Birth
19/11/1965
Appearances
71 (4)
Goals scored
4

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Blanchflower, Jackie: 1951-1958
A midfielder, Jackie Blanchflower was an original Busby Babe. At inside-right he won a League title medal in the 1955-56 season and in the 1957 F.A. Cup final found himself playing in goal during United's 2-1 defeat to Villa (United's goalkeeper was injured and substitutions had'nt been invented yet). He helped Northern Ireland to their first ever victory over Italy in 1958, however the injuries sustained in the Munich air crash meant that he never played again.
Nationality
Northern Ireland
Date of Birth
7/3/1933
Appearances
116
Goals Scored
27

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Blomqvist, Jesper: 1998-2001
A star of Swedish football at a young age, Jesper Blomqvist arrived at Old Trafford for £4.4 million alongside Dwight Yorke and Jaap Stam in Autumn 1998. He was skilful, pacy down the wing and good at delivering accurate crosses.

A regular player in the 1999 United Treble winnning team he won Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winner medals. The highlight must have been his appearance in the Champions League final against Bayern but Jesper will always be a one season wonder. A few months afterwards he suffered a serious ankle injury and spent 2 more years at United attempting to regain his fitness before leaving the club for Everton on a free transfer in November 2001.
Nationality
Sweden
Date of Birth
15/2/1975
Appearances
29 (9)
Goals scored
1

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Bosnich, Mark: 1999-2001
Goalkeeper Mark Bosnich had two spells at United, both of which proved miserable failures. As a youth player in 1989 he made only 3 appearances before being transferred to Aston Villa. There he built up a reputation as a top class stopper. He returned to United on a free transfer in 1999 to replace Peter Schmeichel. Sir Alex Ferguson did not like Bosnich's attitude, erratic form and suspect fitness. The arrival of Fabien Barthez signalled the end and Bosnich made another free-transfer move to Chelsea in January 2001 were he later failed a drugs test and was sacked.
Nationality
Australia
Date of Birth
13/1/1972
Appearances
37
Clean Sheets
14

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Brennan, Shay: 1958-1970
A former United youth team player, Full-back Shay Brennan won two League Championship medals with United in 1965 and 1967 as well as a European Cup winners' medal in 1968.

Brennan became a key member of United's victorious side in the mid/late 1960's with his solid and consistent play. His ability to carry the ball forward quickly and beat opponents helped to establish him as a major asset to both his club and country.

Born in Manchester, the full back was the first English-born player to play for Ireland, taking advantage of a change by FIFA to the eligibility rules. Brennan played for the Republic of Ireland 19 times.

In 1986 a crowd of 10,000 attended a benefit match in Dublin to honour the legend, when Shamrock Rovers played Manchester United. Sadly he died at the age of 63 in June 2000.
Nationality
Republic of Ireland
Date of Birth
6/5/1937
Appearances
355 (1)
Goals Scored
6

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Brown, Wes Current Squad player

A former student at the FA School of Excellence at Lilleshall, Wes Brown also played for Manchester and Greater Manchester as a schoolboy. A local lad from Longsight, Manchester, he signed as a trainee on leaving school in July 1996 and became a professional just four months later on 4th November 1996.

In his first full season at Old Trafford, Brown picked up a Lancashire FA Youth Cup winners' medal and a Lancashire League Division One medal together with the Denzil Haroun Young Player of the Year award. Performances throughout the season earned him a place on the substitutes' bench against Leeds United on 4 May 1998. Brown appeared in the starting line-up for the first time the following week as United defeated Barnsley 2-0.

His performances in the 1998-99 season caught the eye as an accomplished central defender for someone so young. Brown gained a regular first team place deputising for the injured Denis Irwin at full-back. Quick and able to surge forward down the wing, Wes was very impressive all-round. An international at Under-18 and Under-21 level, Brown received his first senior cap under Kevin Keegan, playing against Hungary in Budapest. Wes' first team opportunities became rarer towards the end of the season, but he had played his part in the club's Treble success.

Wes had set his sights on making an impact on the team again in the 1999/2000 season, but a accidental fall on the training ground inflicted him with the dreaded cruciate knee injury. His season was over before it even began.

He was raring to go for the 2000-2001 season however. Playing mainly in the heart of defence with Jaap Stam, Brown had many impressive performances throughout the season as United boasted the best defensive record of any Premiership team.

He gained the praise of many plaudits for his composure and technical excellence while the absence of Ronny Johnsen gave Brown his chance to make over 50 appearances. Brown broke into the England squad and it appeared likely he would be a regular in the national team. While a couple of own-goals were the blight on a great season, Wes showed the potential to become a world class player.
The first months of 2001-2002 were not the best for Brown though, United had constant defensive problems and in December he suffered a medial ligaments injury setback. He returned at the end of April for the season's finish and was able to impress Sven Goran Eriksson enough to win a place in the World Cup Squad for Japan/Korea.

The following season got off to a bad start with a broken ankle that kept him out until October. Sir Alex had always envisioned Wes playing alongside Rio Ferdinand and this became the established central pairing for the second half of the season - a period in which United went unbeaten in the League. A high point was the big defender scoring his ever first goal for United at home to Juventus, however the season ended the way it began with injury hell. Wes again injured the cruciate ligament in his knee in the final game of the season, at Everton.

He did not return until the first game of 2004 at Aston Villa in the FA Cup 3rd Round. Unfortunately instead of a gradual return to first team action, Rio Ferdinand's suspension meant that Ferguson had to throw Brown into the heat of the action right away. The young defender suffered as he was still finding full match sharpness. He bore the brunt of the criticism for United's defensive problems that plagued the team in the early months of the year.

Yet, eventually Wes found his good form of old and put in two colossal performances against Arsenal in the Premiership and FA Cup semi-final. He continued improving in 2005-2006 and was largely free of serious injury, playing throughout the campaign. Last season, an achilles and thigh injury in September hindered his start but by November he was a starting regular.

Sir Alex's currently favours Brown and Ferdinand in the centre of defence but competition for defensive duties is high with the likes of Heinze, O'Shea, Vidic, Evra and Gary Neville all capable of fulfilling the role. But it seems that Wes is putting his serious injury woes behind him and is up for the challenge, he can still go on to become the world class defender that he undoubtedly has the talent to be.

Appearances with United 1998-2006 Goals Scored with United 1998-2006
Total League 124(16) Total League 1
Total FA Cup 19(2) Total FA Cup 0
Total League Cup 14(1) Total League Cup 0
Total Europe 34(6) Total Europe 1
Total 191(25) Total 2
. Strengths Weaknesses
Heading - His height makes him good in the air for headed clearances.

Speed - Brown is one of the fastest defenders around and will not be outrun by quick forwards.
Temperament - Wes can occasionally lose concentration in the "big" games and panic.

Injury prone - His career has been severely hampered by bad injuries.

Honours with United
1999 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1999 F.A. Cup - Winner
1999 European Champions League - Winner
2001 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2003 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2004 F.A. Cup - Winner
2006 League Cup - Winner

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Bruce, Steve United Legend
Steve Bruce was a bedrock of Manchester United's success in the 1990's. Commanding the United back four with a reassuring presence, control and great tactical awareness, Bruce was the steady foundation upon which to build a great team. Most importantly of all, he had an unquenchable spirit and motivation often playing with injuries that would put lesser men in hospital. His bravery and courage was unrivalled, a totally committed player ready to give his all for his team, and this inspired the team-mates around him.

In his first game for United he broke his nose, not for the last time either. The big Geordie seemed to be indestructible. Alex Ferguson once joked "When he passes on I want his body for medical research, its hard to know what this man's made of". Bruce had great ball control, passing and composure and while he could be tested by cleverly deployed pace, his experience ensured that he was rarely ever caught out.

He also boasted a very high scoring rate for a centre half with his 19 goals (including 11 penalties) in 1990/91 making him top scorer that season. Bruce scored a total of 51 goals in 411 United starting appearances, roughly a goal every eight games. His most famous goal-scoring moment will always be the 2 goals he scored against Sheffield Wednesday in the dying minutes of the game at the end of the 1993 season.

With United 1-0 down, Bruce saved United's title hopes with two amazing headed goals, sending Old Trafford into delirium and setting United on course for their first title in twenty six long years. Not only that, the legendary footballing adage of the 1990's was born - "Man Utd always score in the last minute". There can be no doubt it was because of the determination and drive of players like Steve Bruce, that headlines from then on would often read "United in last gasp victory".

He started his career at Norwich City and was bought by United in December 1987 for £800,000 saying "I'd crawl all the way from Norwich to Manchester for the chance to play for United". Alex Ferguson wisely decided to build his team from the bottom up and Bruce was to be a key component in United's rebuilding. While his club career was a string of successes the only blot on his record is his lack of international recognition.

The United Captain only won U21 caps when he obviously should have won full caps. Bruce is probably England's best ever uncapped player, and Bobby Robson has since admitted this glaring mistake. He could have played for Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland had he not been disqualified by an England youth appearance.

After leaving United, he played with Birmingham City for a spell before moving into management with Sheffield United. He was unsuccessful with The Blades and moved for a brief period in charge of Huddersfield Town. Bruce then moved to Crystal Palace and after some controversy, he left them to return to Birmingham City in 2001, this time as manager. He was an immediate sucess at St Andrews, in his first season he took the club up into the Premiership. Few would doubt that Brucey would love to return to Old Trafford as manager one day and repeat the success he had as a player.

Steve Bruce is Manchester United's second most successful captain, having led the club to three Premier League titles, the 1992 League cup and the 1994 FA Cup. A true leader that any great team would be proud to have, there can be no doubting the significance of his role in Manchester United's success over the last decade.
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Buchan, Martin: 1972-1983
Buchan cost a record £125,000 but was worth every penny. Frank O'Farrell brought him to England from Aberdeen in March 1972 to form the cornerstone of a new United defence. By then, though still only 23, Martin had played for his country, captained his club, won a Scottish Cup medal and been voted Scottish player of the year.

For a man of quality and maturity beyond his years, United gladly paid the £125,000, and rarely have they struck a better bargain. He saw the club through the bad times of relegation and the good times of winning the 1977 FA Cup in which he was exceptional during the final versus Liverpool in United's 2-1 victory. After 1977 United were back challenging at the top of the first division again, though title glory remained elusive.

Buchan was to spend over 11 years at Old Trafford, 6 of them as captain. He played in three cup finals, eventually leaving in 1983 after injury problems cost him his first team place. For a decade the Scotsman stood alone as Manchester United's most important player. The Aberdeen man must go down as one of United's greatest captains, a cool, classy defender and a great leader.
Nationality
Scotland
Date of Birth
6/3/1949
Appearances
455
Goals Scored
4

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Busby, Sir Matt United Legend -
At the back of Old Trafford's East Stand stands a statue of Sir Matt Busby. Many who pass by it on match-day probably do not realise that without him they wouldn't be there. They'd be most likely supporting some other football team. Sir Alex Ferguson's success has made Manchester United the Goliath of world football that it is today but it was built upon Busby's legendary foundations.

For, Busby is the man who made Manchester United a world famous name way back in the 1950's. He established the club's footballing ideology, its playing style and philosophy, while in the process building two of English football's most famous ever teams.

Born in Orbiston, Lanarkshire, Busby was a legend hewn from the same rock as those other Scottish managerial legends Bill Shankly, Jock Stein and of course, Sir Alex Ferguson.

As a player he was a half-back who won one international cap for Scotland in 1933 and an FA Cup Winner's medal for Manchester City in the following year. Ironically Busby played for United's bitter rivals Manchester City from 1929 to 1936 and for Liverpool from 1936 to 1939. His playing career was cut short by the outbreak of war, in which he served in the Army Physical Training Corps.

In 1945 at the young age of 36, he was offered a job on the coaching staff at Anfield. Luckily he turned it down and accepted the post as manager of Manchester United. It was a daunting task as the club were in disarray. Old Trafford had been heavily damaged in the blitz of World War 2 and the team was poor, 14th in Division One and had achieved little success in the previous 15 years.

It's fair to say, Manchester United then, were like the present-day Sheffield Wednesday or Man City. A big northern club with potential, but under-achievers and not really supported or renowned outside of their own city. United had not won a trophy since 1911, a gap of 34 years. Arsenal were undeniably the biggest club in England following their four League title wins in the 1930s.

Busby's First great team

Busby set about changing that. The Scotsman believed in attacking free-flowing football, he wanted his teams to not only be successful but to excite the crowd as well. This approach would form the basis of United's playing style through to the present day.

The team played at Maine Road for his first 3 years as Old Trafford had been bombed out in the war. While the stadium was being rebuilt so was the team for in 1947 a large youth policy was organised and the scouting system was expanded and reorganised. By skilful planning and wise buying Busby created a team that made it to the 1948 FA Cup Final and defeated Blackpool 4-2.

Playing were the first of the pre-war United greats, Carey, Mitten, Pearson and Rowley. From this success, after being runners-up for years, United went on to win the League Championship in 1952 scoring bucket-loads of goals along the way.

Busby the Man

Unlike his pre WWII predecessor Scott Duncan and a lot of managers of the era, Busby was very much a hands-on, modern style of management. He preferred to wear a track-suit and to coach his players on the training pitch, that way he could get his idea's directly across to his players.

The image of Busby is very often that of a kindly grandfather figure who preferred his assistant, Jimmy Murphy to do the disciplining. The truth is that Busby used this image in public but in private he could be as ruthless as any.

It would be naive to to think someone without some degree of steel could win as much in the cut-throat world of football. Unlike many, he was not an advocate of improved player power with better contracts and wages. While he tolerated the wayward genius of George Best he punished other players harshly, such as Charlie Mitten, for stepping out of line and undermining his managerial authority.

The Busby Babes and Munich

Following the 1952 season's success Busby felt his team had lost its edge, the fire and flair had gone. To remedy this he made a drastic and famous decision by replacing most of his first team players with bright exciting young players: the legendary Busby Babes were born.

A team of mainly youngsters took the league by storm and brought a breath of optimistic fresh air to austere post-war England. With such talents as Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, Eddie Colman, Dennis Viollet, Tommy Taylor, Bill Foulkes and Jackie Blanchflower, they were exciting, brilliant and devastating. Two League titles followed in 1956, and 1957, and the visionary Busby entered United into the European Champions Cup.

As the first English club to do so, Busby rightly saw European competition as the future of club football and defied the League's opposition. It was a vision not shared by the narrow minded Football authorities at the time. They gave United no help in fixture arrangements meaning the team was frequently rushing back from European games with little preparation.

After returning home from a Euro game against Red Star Belgrade in 1958 tragedy struck when the team plane crashed on a Munich airfield killing many of the aircraft's passengers, including eight of the players and severely injuring Busby. The team that were champions of England for the past two season had been almost entirely wiped out.

The Busby Babes were gone and the world was robbed of players like Edwards and Taylor forever. The tragedy had a profound effect upon the British people. Munich became not a Manchester United disaster but a national disaster. In this less cynical age, a huge wave of sympathy and support welled up for United. Fans from all over the world now knew of the great team from Manchester that was wiped out. People who had merely followed the results of their team felt drawn to the club, those who had never followed them before, now had a special place in their hearts for United.

Busby returns to conquer Europe

Busby, after first doubting he could carry on, recovered from his injuries and set about creating the third great and greatest of all sides. The one that would do what his babes never did. Again his youth policy was established and United uncovered the talents of Stiles, Brennan, Kidd and the genial George Best.

Together with Munich survivor Bobby Charlton, signings Crerand and Denis Law, United were soon back at the top winning the FA Cup in 1963 and two League titles in 1965 and 67. Playing as the babes before, with style, genius, flair and attacking brilliance, the 60s United of Charlton, Best and Law captured a whole new legion of fans and the imagination of football fans the world over.

The 1967 win gave Busby probably one last crack at his "holy grail" and on May 29th 1968, the greatest of his three United sides won the European Cup defeating Benfica 4-1. The entire nation was behind United on that night, people wanted them to win it for those lost in Munich. This was Busby's greatest achievement, the first English side to win the trophy, so exorcising the ghosts of Munich, now Manchester United had become a national institution.

Busby was knighted in 1968 and having achieved his goal, retired from Manchester United as manager in 1969. He still maintained a role at Old Trafford as general manager and this would effect his successor. Aged only 31, Wilf McGuinness was appointed in April 1969 but the Scottish legend's shadow loomed large over him. Sadly McGuinness was a dismal failure and the board made Busby take charge again in December 1970 to steer the club from the relegation situation it found itself in.

In June 1971 Busby handed over power to Frank O'Farrell and took up a position on the United board. Sir Matt was always going to be a hard act to follow. His immediate successors were always in his shadow and simply could not live up to the high standards he set. As the stars of the Sixties retired or moved on they were not adequately replaced, plus the mercurial George Best desperately needed Busby's fatherly influence to curb his rebellious instincts.

The club went into sharp decline and relegation followed in 1974. Only 6 years after their greatest moment the Reds were at their lowest point since the 1930s. Eventually United got back to winning ways but no-one could come close to Busby's achievements until 1986 when another canny Scot called Alex Ferguson came south of the border. Busby went on to become United's club president in 1982 and also had a high position in the Football League management committee.

Conclusion

On the 20th January 1994 Busby died aged 85, but he lived long enough to see the red empire he created in safe hands. He had taken great pleasure in presiding over Ferguson's revival in which United played with the style and flair he had loved in his own teams. United were the best in the land once again and 5 years later, on his birthday in 1999 they would better his achievement of 1968 and win the Treble of European Cup, FA Cup and Premier League title.

The legacy of Busby is that he provided the foundation, philosophy, style and passion that turned a once ordinary club from the grim industrial North of England, into today the most famous, glamorous, richest and now undoubtedly biggest team in the world. Sir Matt Busby created the Manchester United legend and in doing so, has himself became a legend forever in footballing history.

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Busby trivia

Busby was born in a two-roomed pitman's cottage in the mining village of Orbiston. The village has since been absorbed by the larger town of Bellshill.

His family is partially Eastern European Jewish in origin. His father and all his uncles were killed in World War I.

Known to all as Matt, his first name was in fact Alexander - meaning both Manchester United's greatest ever manager's share the same Christian name.

As a player Busby joined Liverpool for £8,000 from Manchester City in March 1936 and was immediately made captain.

He was mentioned in a line in the Beatles song, "Dig It".

Sir Matt did not buy any players between 1953-57. Before Munich, he bought only 16 players and 4 of those were goalkeepers.

At Munich, Busby was so severely injured that doctors gave him little chance of recovery. He was twice given last rites.

As well as the Knighthood from the Queen in 1968, Busby (who was very religious) was made a Knight Commander of St Gregory in 1972. This is one of the highest civil honours in the Roman Catholic church.

In 1958 Busby persuaded wealthy local butcher Louis Edwards to invest his money in the club. By 1964 Edwards was chairman and his family held power at Old Trafford until 2000.

Sir Matt's seat in the Old Trafford directors box remained un-used for many years after his death until his son Sandy decided in 2002 that it should be made available again.

On retirement, the Edwards family gave Busby the proceeds of the United Souvenir shop as a pension fund. This arrangement ended when the club became a PLC in 1991.

The nickname "The Red Devils" was started by Busby. In the early 1960's Salford Rugby club were known as "The Red Devils" but Sir Matt liked the sound of it and adopted it for Manchester United.

In 1993 Warwick Road North was renamed Sir Matt Busby Way in his honour.

The Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award is a prestigious honour in which the fans vote for their favourite United player that season. Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy are past winners with Gabriel Heinze the current holder.
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Busby Babes
In 1953 Sir Matt Busby threw the management rulebook out the window and replaced most of his senior first team stars with youth players. Young, bright and exciting the legendary Busby Babes were born as this team of mainly youngsters took the league by storm and brought a breath of optimistic fresh air to austere post-war England. The Babes featured such great talents as Bobby Charlton , Duncan Edwards , Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman , Dennis Viollet , Tommy Taylor , Bill Foulkes and Jackie Blanchflower. They were exciting, brilliant and devastating. Two League titles followed in 1956, and 1957, and the visionary Busby entered United into the European Champions Cup. After returning home from a Euro game against Red Star Belgrade in 1958 tragedy struck when an air crash at Munich killed many of the aircraft's passengers, including eight of the players and severely injured Busby.

It was and remains to this day one of football's worst tragedies. The team had been almost wiped out, the Busby Babes gone and the world was forever robbed of great players like Edwards and Taylor. There can be no doubt the Munich disaster and death of the Busby Babes formed an integral part in making the Manchester United the world's most famous football club.

The team that lined up in the final game with Red Star Belgrade before the fatal crash was: Gregg, Foulkes, Byrne, Edwards, Jones, Colman, Morgans, Charlton, Taylor, Viollet and Scanlon, while other squad members were Blanchflower, Bent, Whelan, Wood, Pegg and Berry. Edwards, Byrne, Colman, Pegg, Bent, Jones, Taylor and Whelan died in the crash, while, of the survivors Berry and Blanchflower would never play football again.

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Butt, Nicky: 1991-2004
Nicky Butt signed for Manchester United as a trainee in July 1991 after playing for Oldham and Greater Manchester Schoolboys. He was a part of the successful FA Youth Cup side in 1992, scoring twice in the first leg of the final against Crystal Palace.

His first team debut came on 21st November 1992, as a 65th minute substitute for Paul Ince against Oldham Athletic. By the end of the 1994-95 season he had earned himself a place in the starting line up for the FA Cup Final, but finished with a runners-up medal after losing 1-0 to Everton.

Twelve months later Butt was to collect a winners' medal in the 1996 FA Cup Final, completing a League and Cup double for himself and the Reds. When Roy Keane was absent through injury in 1997, Butt was outstanding in central midfield alongside Ronny Johnsen.

Butt's hard tackling style made him primarily a defensive midfielder rather than creator. His role was of a classic fetcher and carrier, covering every blade of grass but he also boasted clever passing skills and could make timely runs into the box.

The 1998-99 Treble season saw less starting apprearances yet he still had an excellent year with great display's against Leeds, Juventus, Liverpool and Arsenal. When Keane and Scholes were both suspended for the 1999 Champions League Final, Butt became invaluable as the only available central midfielder, however it meant he wasn't risked for the FA Cup Final.

In In 1999-2000 he started 21 games and was a sub 11 times so he certainly played a significant role in the title truimph. Butt scored an important last minute equaliser away at Sunderland as well as goals against Derby, Vasco and home to Sunderland. The following season he scored his first European goal, a belter at home to Sturm Graz and featured in 41 games of United's successful Premiership winning season. Sven Goran Eriksson also called Butt up to the England squad where he played against Albania, Spain and Finland.

In 2001-2002 Butt had an excellent season starting 31 games and took on an increasingly important role as anchor man in the United midfield. Many had predicted the arrival of Juan Sebastian Veron would mean the end of Nicky's Old Trafford career but he proved the critics wrong with consistent high quality performances (something Veron was unable to do).

Consequently he also played more international games and made the England World Cup squad for Japan/Korea 2002. His performances in the World Cup games were outstanding, in fact, the great Pele even said that Butt was the player of the tournament and he received high praise from fans and pundits alike. Ironically it was an ankle injury sustained while playing for England against Macedonia that disrupted his season in 2002-2003. However, after Feburary, Butt was a back as a regular fixture in the starting eleven providing his brand of steel and energy in the United engine room.

In his final season he was restricted to more subsitute appearances and was obviously unhappy at sitting on the bench. Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson and the newly converted holding-man, Phil Neville, meant the Reds had a surplus of defensive midfielders.

Rumours of a transfer to Middlesbrough or Birmingham began and a move looked on the cards in January 2004. Butt decided to fight for his place but eventually had to admit defeat - he was no longer guaranteed first team football. In July 2004 Butt made a £2.5 million move to Newcastle United ending 13 years at Old Trafford and so marking the departure of another of the homegrown stars that produced so much success for the club in the last decade.
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Byrne, Roger United Legend
Roger Byrne was the great captain of the legendary Busby Babes. An inspirational and charismatic leader he was a key element in making United the team of the mid 1950's.

Byrne nearly didn't become a footballer having played Rugby Union for a time, but eventually he was spotted and joined United's youth team at the comparatively late age of 20. Matt Busby recognised a quality in him that could be developed but at first it was not sure which position he would play. Versatile Bryne played as winger, wing-half and left-back. In 1951 he made his debut against Liverpool and continued to put in fine performances.

United and Byrne went on to win the League title in 1952 with Byrne on the wing but when Busby forced him to play on the wing permanently in 1952 Bryne was unhappy and asked for a transfer. Busby backed down and quickly made Bryne a left back, a position he would make his own.

He was one of the new generation brought in by Busby, fast, strong and always in control, often using his speed to allow him to come up the wings and participate in attacks. As left back Roger Byrne was rock solid, hard working, powerful, skilful, efficient - a player who refused to be beaten. Even the great wingers of the day, Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney rarely, if ever, got the better of him.

He was cool and confident with excellent awareness and positional skills. Not the most naturally gifted of players he made up for it by putting in long hours of training and study therefore making sure he was never caught out. A truly great footballer's talents are as much mental as physical and anticipation was Roger Byrne's great strength - he could always detect danger.

He was intelligent and a stubborn non-conformist, never afraid to voice his opinion even if it meant defying manager Busby - however there was great mutual respect between the two. He took over as club captain from Johnny Carey in 1954 when Carey retired and although only slightly older than the rest of the "Babes" they all looked up to him as a father figure. Playing the best football of his career he led United to the League title in 1956 and again in 1957 when he also led the team in the unlucky FA Cup Final defeat to Aston Villa. Byrne played for England 33 times consecutively and would surely have captained them in the 1958 World Cup alongside fellow United stars Duncan Edwards and Tommy Taylor - but it wasn't to be.

In 1958 United's Busby Babes were at the height of their power at home and abroad when the cruel hand of fate robbed the world of the team's great talents. Byrne was amongst those tragically killed in the crash at Munich in 1958, it was only two days before his 29th birthday. There can be few who would argue that despite being limited to a professional career of only 6 years, Roger Byrne was one of the all-time great United captains. Sadly robbed of life at the peak of his career, his place alongside fellow United legends is secure.

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I WILL CONTINUE MY A-Z SOON

MANCHESTER UNITED'S GREATEST GAMES

A football team is in the end defined by its actions on the pitch. More than anything it is the great matches and moments of brilliance where the legend of Manchester United is created. A great game can be one which was a feast of footballing entertainment and drama, a game remembered for a single famous incident or goal, or simply a game that capped a wonderful football achievement. Here is a selection of 23 great United games with pictures and match reports.

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The 2004 FA Cup Final vs Millwall
2003 Premier League vs Newcastle United

2003 Champions League vs Juventus

2001 Premier League vs Tottenham Hotspur

2001 Premier League vs Arsenal

2000 Champions League vs Fiorentina

The 1999 Champions League Final vs Bayern Munich

The 1999 FA Cup Final vs Newcastle United

1999 Premier League vs Tottenham Hotspur

1999 Champions League Semi-Final vs Juventus

1999 FA Cup Semi-Final Replay vs Arsenal

1997 Champions League vs Juventus

1997 Champions League vs FC Porto

The 1996 FA Cup Final vs Liverpool

1996 Premier League vs Newcastle United

The 1994 FA Cup Final vs Chelsea

1993 Premier League vs Manchester City

The 1991 Cup Winners Cup Final vs Barcelona

The 1990 FA Cup Final vs Crystal Palace

The 1985 FA Cup Final vs Everton

1984 Cup Winners Cup vs Barcelona

The 1983 FA Cup Final vs Brighton and Hove Albion

The 1977 FA Cup Final vs Liverpool

The 1968 European Cup Final vs Benfica

1958 First Divison vs Arsenal

1948 FA Cup Final vs Blackpool

MANCHESTER UNITED'S WORST EVER GAMES

Villianous American President Richard Nixon once said "Only when you have stood in the darkest valley can you appreciate the view from the highest mountain". You cannot appreciate the good without having experienced the bad and while Manchester United have had a lot of trips to Silverware Mountain they've also had numerous visits to Turd Valley as well. These are the sort of games in which at full-time, you wonder why you put yourself through it all, you think about taking up new sports such as Chess or Water Polo, or even consider supporting Real Madrid instead. 3 seconds later though you wise up, you kick the cat, get insanely drunk and wake up the following day looking forward to next season. Nevertheless, hideous defeats and gut wrenching disappointments are all part of being a football fan. Even the greatest team in the world can't win them all.......

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Here is the top 10 United stink-fests

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10 FA Carling Premiership
14th March 1998 Old Trafford
Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1

Overmars

Absolutely stinking, the 1997-98 League Championship campaign which had promised so much went down the bog after this defeat. United never recovered and Arsenal went on to win the title. It also affected the European Cup campaign, Peter Schmeichel done his leg in, in the last minute going up for a corner and was forced to miss the next game against Monaco - which saw United go out on away goals. This also caused doubts, that without Eric Cantona, United wouldn't win the title again and that Wenger's Arsenal would now begin the domination of English football. Luckily such talk was all total bollocks.

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9 League Division One
19th April 1992 Anfield
Liverpool 2 Manchester United 0

Beardsley, Walters

A physically shattered United team came to Anfield needing a win to stop Leeds United from taking the title. As Liverpool led 2-0 with minutes to go their fans sung "You'll never win the League" and to be honest at that moment few could have argued with them. Six League titles, three FA Cup's and one European Cup later, the Scousers aren't singing now are they?

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8 1976 FA Cup Final
25th May 1976 Wembley Stadium
Manchester United 0 Southampton 1

Stokes

Losing to Southampton is bad enough in a League match but to lose to them in a Cup Final is as painful as having your arse burnt off. Not only that, but the crowning turd on the pie is that lowly Southampton were in the old Second Division at the time and that this victory is the only trophy they have ever bloody won.

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7 1979 FA Cup Final
12th May 1979 Wembley Stadium
Manchester United 2 Arsenal 3

McILroy, McQueen Stapleton, Talbot, Sunderland

Undoubtedly a great game for the so called "neutral fan" (whoever the hell they are?) but for United this was totally gutting. Having been 2-0 down United brilliantly fought back to draw level at 2-2 scoring twice with only 4 minutes to go. From the restart, Arsenal kicked off and practically went straight up the pitch and scored the bleeding winner through Alan "Giant perm" Sunderland. United had barely time to break wind before the final whistle was blown. In all, it was absolutely minging.

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6
1995 FA Cup Final
20th May 1995 Wembley Stadium
Manchester United 0 Everton 1

Rideout

Quite possibly the worst FA Cup Final ever. United had no Cantona, Cole, Giggs, or Kanchelskis while Everton reached new unheard of levels of boring direness. Even the winning goal was a scrambled mess. This defeat meant United had lost their League title one week, then the Cup the next. More stinking than a turd on toast washed down with a barrel of monkey's piss.

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5 Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg
23rd April 1997 Old Trafford
Manchester United 0 Borussia Dortmund 1

Ricken

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Dortmund, United missed chance after chance while the lucky Germans got a jammy early goal and sat back for 85 minutes defending like guards at Colditz. Eric Cantona was so depressed by it all he retired soon after. The Germans went on to win the cup beating Juventus 3-1 but I have to ask, where are Brussia Dortmund now eh? Did they build on their sucess? Did they fuck!!!

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4
League Division One
24th April 1974 Old Trafford
Manchester United 0 Manchester City 1

Law

United were relegated to the Second Division on this arse-ridden day by a freakish Denis Law back-heeled goal that he meant as a joke. He was so emotionally scared at sending his beloved old team down he retired the next day. United would have went down anyway as they were reliant on other teams losing to keep them up, but this result was still one huge rodent-sandwich.

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3 European Cup Quarter-Final 2000 2nd Leg
19th April 2000 Old Trafford
Manchester United 2 Real Madrid 3

Beckham 64, Scholes 88 Keane 20 og, Raul 50, 52

United fans and players were left stunned by this exit by the eventual winners. We thought our mighty Champions of Europe would sweep away Real and go on to retain the big silver pot but it didn't work out that way. United conceded a disasterous early own-goal from Roy Keane, then kamikaze attacking and expert play on the counter-attack by the Spanish resulted at one point in an astonishing 3-0 lead for Real. United now needed 4 goals to go win and they did fight back bravely to give the score respectability, however it was still one big hamper of arse-sandwichs.

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2 FA Carling Premiership
8th May 2001 Old Trafford
Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1

Wiltord

This takes some beating on the turd-o-meter. Of all the circumstances to lose the Premiership title and not any old title either, one we had held for three glorious seasons. The game was originally planned for April and only came about because of re-arranged FA Cup and European fixtures. Billed as the ultimate Premiership decider, Fergie needed a win or else Wenger would win the title at the Theatre of Dreams. A mortified Old Trafford watched on as United failed to threaten the Arsenal net once in 90 minutes. Eventually the life was taken out of the Reds by a crappy Arsenal counter-attack goal and Wenger declared "A shift in the balance of power" in English football to Highbury had occured. All United fans could do was wait through a long summer and hope Fergie could prove him wrong - and its still in the balance. This only escapes being the worst game of all time because at least Arsenal were a decent side and worthy champions, and don't forget, it could have been Liverpool......

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1 FA Carling Premiership
14th May 1995 Upton Park
West Ham United 1 Manchester United 1

Michael Hughes McClair

Imagine if Godzilla,King Kong and the Rancor from Return of the Jedi got together and held a "Who can fart the most Competition" in your back garden. The combined smell from such an event would not match the stench of West Ham vs Manchester United on the last day of the season 1995. United needed a win to take the title over Blackburn who were playing Liverpool at Anfield. With Rovers drawing (eventually losing 2-1) United would have won the title had they found a winner after McClair's equaliser, but West Ham defended like their lives depended on it, as United missed chance after chance. "An Obscene amount of effort" Fergie called West Ham's performance. Still, as Kenny Dalglish paraded the Premiership trophy around Anfield for Blackburn, United fans can take pleasure from the fact that just 4 years later we would relegate sad, rubbish Rovers back to to the (shitehole) First Division they came from.

HISTORY OF THE GROUND 1909-2007
"The most handsomest, the most spacious and the most remarkable arena I have ever seen. As a football ground it is unrivalled in the world, it is an honour to Manchester and the home of a team who can do wonders when they are so disposed"

Sporting Chronicle: Saturday 19th February 1910
The above words were written on Old Trafford's opening day in 1910. Manchester United had just moved from their old stadium of Bank Street, Clayton, to a new stadium in the Old Trafford area of west Manchester. Built in 1909, for the then huge sum of £60,000, it was terraced on three sides with a seated main south stand under cover. The stadium had a maximum capacity of 80,000 and was designed by famous Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, who also designed stands at Hampden Park, Ibrox Stadium and White Hart Lane.

In 1911 and 1915 it held the FA Cup final and in 1920 it had it's largest ever attendance of 70,504 for a league game against Aston Villa. The 1939 FA Cup Semi-Final of Wolves vs Grimsby would top that with 76,962, a figure which stands to the present day. The original Leitch south stand roof was replaced in the 1930's. The south stand corners were also covered and a partial roof was added on the north side. The stadium was heavily damaged in World War II and for a while United played at local rival, Manchester City's Maine Road from 1946-1949 whilst rebuilding work took place.

In 1949 when it reopened, Old Trafford had been rebuilt exactly as it had been before the war. A roof was later added to the Stretford End in the 1950's, however all the stands suffered from obstructed views because of old fashioned roof-post design. In the mid 1960s development of modern cantilever stands began on the north and east of the ground in time for the World Cup.

The new design had terracing at the front and a larger seated section behind. The master plan of club owners, the Edward's family, was to eventually have cantilever stands on all four sides of the ground. Old Trafford was a venue for the 1966 World Cup hosting three matches and also held the 1970 FA Cup Final replay between Chelsea and Leeds. It also became the first stadium to erect perimeter fencing in the 1970's to combat crowd disturbances. Gradually the entire ground was redeveloped with cantilever roofing over the decades, culminating in 1994 with the Stretford End.

The west side of the ground for many fans, will always be the legendary Stretford End. Crammed behind the goal was a heaving mass of almost 20,000 standing United fans who were amongst the loudest in Britain. It was once measured that the roar from the crowd was louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off. The last game played in front of the famous old terrace was a 3-1 win over Spurs on 2nd May 1992. The new £10 million all-seater cantilever stand was completed for the start of the 1993-94 season and had a family seating area. Beneath the corner is the players dressing rooms/tunnel and lounge.

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, over 58,000 could pack into Old Trafford. However in the early 1990s after the Hillsbrough disaster, the Taylor Report required England's top teams to have all-seater stadiums. The Old Trafford design master plan of the 1960's was now complete and the stadium was a perfect bowl, but with United more popular than ever the reduced 44,000 capacity was totally inadequate.

This led to further expansion in 1995-6 with the construction of the giantantic three-tiered North Stand, holding 26,000 and bringing capacity to nearly 56,000. The North Stand, reaching around 200 feet in height has four stairwell towers, several lifts and the largest single cantilever roof in Europe.

This massive, brooding structure towers over the pitch, intimidating opposing teams. Costing £19 million to build (plus £9 million to buy the land) it also houses the excellent Manchester United Museum on three floors (open on non-match days) and glittering trophy room. There is also the Red Cafe restaurant and two layers of executive "Sky" boxes. The stand sits over the top of United Road, which runs through a tunnel underneath.

The South Stand is the smallest stand at Old Trafford but contains the managers bench area, the directors/ television/ police control boxes and luxury restaurants and executive suites. It is rarely seen on television as it contains the TV gantry, which looks North. The players tunnel used to be at the centre of this stand but in 1993 it was moved to the South-west corner. The old tunnel still remains and is opened for special occasions and stadium tours. The seating slopes at a different angle to the rest of the stadium, making it slightly lower than the other stands. The first 20 or so rows of seats around all four sides of the ground are below street level.

The East Stand was home to the diehard K-Stand United fans (many of whom have relocated to the Stretford End) as well as the away fans enclosure in the South-East corner and disabled section. It was formerly known as the Scoreboard End, so called because of the large scoreboard that resided until the late 60s, when an electronic one was installed. This scoreboard was recently replaced by four modern electronic scoreboards situated around the stadium.

As part of a £30 million redevelopment to put a second tier at each end, in January 2000, the East Stand upper deck was opened creating a 61,000 capacity. On its outside is a large tinted glass front, similar to a modern office block. Below is the location of the huge Manchester United Megastore where every conceivable type of club merchandise is available. On top of the Megastore entrance is the Sir Matt Busby statue. Unveiled in May 1996 he gazes proudly over the forecourt adjacent to the road that bears his name, Sir Matt Busby Way. Off to the left side is the Munich Memorial plaque and the famous Munich clock commemorating the air crash on 6th February 1958 is at the South-East corner.

In August 2000 the second tier of seating was added to the Stretford End / West Stand bringing a total capacity of 68,217. You can also see many banners draped over the upper deck, created by United fans to celebrate past history and taunt rivals. A statue of 60's striker Denis Law in the upper concourse was placed there in 2002 - Law was known as "The King of The Stretford End".

Many claim the atmosphere at Old Trafford is not as good as it once was. Ironically it is the legend of the Old Trafford atmosphere that has brought the tourists yet they are partly responsible for its decline. Sir Alex Ferguson has often complained about the lack of singing and low noise levels but a designated singing area in the West Stand upper tier has made it the loudest part of the ground.

Old Trafford was a Euro 96 venue hosting five games including a Semi-final. It's also been an annual venue for one of the FA Cup Semi-final's and regular home for the England international team home matches. On 28th May 2003 the stadium had the honour of hosting the Champions League Final between AC Milan and Juventus, which Milan won 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

In 2005 a £45 million development began to fill in the corners at the North-West and North-East Quadrants, creating a 76,211 capacity by May 2006 and restoring the "bowl" effect on two thirds of the ground. Expansion work on the South side is not planned in the immediate future because of restricted space and cost. The nearby railway track could be built over, but the club would have to buy up to fifty nearby houses at great expense and disruption to local residents.

A total of £114 million has been spent by the club in the last 14 years on stadium redevelopment but the total cost for a new South Stand would almost equal that sum again with estimates in the region of £90-100 million. However, the long-term goal for the club must remain to rebuild the South stand in a similar style to the North and with filled SW/SE corners would make a whopping 96,000 all seater capacity - larger than the new 90,000 Wembley.

Old Trafford is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most famous sporting arena's in the world. In an era where many clubs are moving from their traditional homes and although down the years it has changed beyond all recognition, the magic of Old Trafford will always remain. On a big match day or European night the atmosphere is as good as any venue in world football. The Theatre of Dreams (as Bobby Charlton named it) is the biggest club ground in Britain and a fitting home for the world's most famous football club.

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Old Trafford total capacity: 76,212

(capacity numbers are not exact figures)

North Stand: 25,500 = 102 rows of seats
Lower: 4,250 = 17 rows
Upper: 8,000 = 32 rows
2nd tier: 8,250 = 34 rows
3rd tier: 5,000 = 19 rows

East Stand: 11,500 = 89 rows
East Stand lower: 1,500 = 17 rows (disabled section)
East Stand upper: 4,000 = 32 rows
East 2nd Tier: 6000 = 40 rows

West Stand: 12,000 = 89 rows
West Stand lower: 2,000 = 17 rows
West Stand upper: 4,000 = 32 rows
West 2nd Tier: 6000 = 40 rows

South Stand: 11,500 = 48 rows
Lower: 2,500 = 11 rows
Upper: 8,500 = 37 rows

Lower corners: 1,500 = 48 rows x 4

Upper North East Quadrant: 4,000 = 33 rows (maximum)

Upper North West Quadrant: 4,000 = 33 rows (maximum)

Executive boxes: 1,000

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(Determined by highest attendance of the period)

1910-1939: Capacity: 80,000

1945-1960: Capacity: 67,000

1960-1974: Capacity: 65,000

1975-1980: Capacity: 60,000

1980-1988: Capacity: 58,000

1988-1990: Capacity: 48,000

1990-1994: Capacity: 45,000

1994-1996: Capacity: 43,000

1996-1999 Capacity: 55,000

2000-2001 Capacity: 61,000

2001-2005 Capacity: 68,000

2006 Capacity: 76,212

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