Manchester United: The Biggest and the Best (World Soccer Legends) - Hardcover

Illugi Jökulsson is a journalist, editor, and author based in Iceland.

SIMPLY THE BEST

Like every major club, United employs scouts who keep an eye out for promising soccer players all over the world. In 1961 one of United’s scouts in Northern Ireland sent a telegram to the club’s manager, Matt Busby, saying: I think I’ve found you a genius.”

He was not exaggerating. Here was a boy at the age of 15 who was so small and light that his local club had rejected him. But the scout spotted how gifted he was and was confident that this boy could go very far. Busby was curious, and in 1963 George Best made his debut for United at the tender age of 17. And soon enough he proved that he truly was a genius. He was unbelievably tricky with the ball and had the great ability to throw off defenders and goalkeepers. He could play in several positions, but most often as an attacking left winger. Many of his numerous goals were absolutely phenomenal.

Best was extremely popular, which was no surprise because on top of his stellar soccering talents, he was cheerful, outgoing, and good looking. His extravagant lifestyle and love life often provided sensational headlines, and he was the first real celebrity soccer player, frequently gracing the gossip pages of the papers, not just the sport sections. Subsequently his lifestyle took its toll. Seriously afflicted by alcoholism, Best saw his health and career start to deteriorate well before his thirtieth birthday. He left United in 1974 and died in 2005.