Without a doubt George Best was one of Manchester United's, if not one of the Worlds greatest ever football players. Born in Northern Ireland in 1946, George Best signed for Man United in 1963 and made a total of 470 appearances and scored 179 goals for the club. A naturally talented player, he was a pleasure to watch, and was once described by Pele as the greatest player in the World.
During his first season at Manchester United, Best made 26 league appearances and scored six goals, helping the team finish in second place in the First Division behind the eventual winners Liverpool.
The 1964-65 season would see United win the First Division League title by goal difference, as they finished the season with the same amount of points as Leeds United. Best was a key player in the team, alongside other greats such as Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. He made 41 appearances and scored 10 goals. United also reached the semi-finals of the European Fairs Cup and the FA Cup that season
Considered by many to have been the greatest most complete football player of all time, Best had every quality imaginable for a player. Speed, balance, vision, superb control of the ball, heading ability, the ability to create chances, beat players with ease, and score many great goals.
Manchester United won the First Division title again during the 1966-67 season as they won the title by four points. The English champions now had the opportunity to compete in the European Cup and United reached the final to face Benfica at Wembley stadium. Two goals from Bobby Charlton and goals from Brian Kidd and George Best himself completed the 4-1 victory, to ensure United became the first English team to win the trophy. Best, who scored 28 goals that year, was awarded the European and English Player of the Year title for that season.
Best was United's top goal scorer for six consecutive seasons, and still holds the record for the most goals scored in a match for the Reds, when he scored six goals against Northampton Town, in an FA Cup match in 1970, but he didn't win another trophy with the side as team of the 60's was gradually dismantled. Best also struggled with alcohol problems, a fight he would battle until his death in November 2005.
George Best left Manchester United in 1974 at the age of 27 and went onto to play for numerous other clubs, but it was his performances with the Reds that will always make him a true legend.
Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of Manchester United football gifts which are available from the man united shop all items are available to ship worldwide
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