championship. This was Busby’s second title triumph in five years but the team had changed almost beyond recognition in the intervening period, with only Byrne and Johnny Berry playing a part in both campaigns. By now, the Busby Babes had made their mark and the average age of the side  was just 22.

In 1957 the team was more experienced and United almost achieved a unique treble, winning the league for a second successive season, reaching the semi-final of the European Cup and the final of the FA Cup, where they lost to Aston Villa. 

Afterwards, Byrne commented: “Never mind, we’ll be back next year.”

True to his word, United returned to Wembley the following season. Tragically, Byrne never did.