Saturday 26 May 2007

The Day A Legend Was Born

Born on the 26th May 1909, Sir Matt Busby became a legendary figure as manager of Manchester United.

Starting his footballing career with Manchester City, he moved to Liverpool in 1936, and soon became their captain.

He became Manchester United's manager in October 1946. He built a team of young players like Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, David Pegg, Eddie Coleman, Tommy Taylor and Liam Whelan, who became known with the nickname "Busby Babes".

They won the Division 1 title in: 1952, 1956 and 1957, while being runners-up in: '47, '48, '49, '51. They also won the FA Cup in: '48 and were runners-up in: '57 and '58.

It was a team he would rebuild after the Munich air disaster, on February 6th 1958, where seven United players died, in the crash of British European Airways Flight 609 after the third take off attempt. The team were returning to Manchester following a 3-3 draw away to Red Star Belgrade in the European Cup (one of Sir Matt's fascinations).

He brought further success to the club during the 1960's bringing in players like Dennis Law and George Best.

The new team won the League in: '65 and '67, and were runners-up in: '59, '64 and '68. The FA Cup was won in: '63, but the most important moment in Busby's career came in 1968 when Manchester United became the first English team to win the European Cup demolishing Benfica 4-1 at Wembley.

He retired in 1969, but returned as manager for one season in 1970-71.

He stayed on as a club director up to 1982, when he became Manchester United's president.

He became a CBE in 1958, and was given the Knighthood in 1968.

He died of cancer in January 1994 at the age of 84, but will always remain in the hearts of all football loving fans!

Sir Matt Busby 1909 - 1994


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