A tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson
All at Manchester United are sad to hear of the passing of legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, who had an affiliation to the club which stretched back to the days of the Holy Trinity - Best, Law and Charlton.
The much-loved chat-show host has died at the age of 88, with widespread tributes being paid to the Yorkshireman, including one from ex-Reds star Alex Stepney, who said: "I enjoyed several laughs with him over the years, [a] lovely guy and a master of his craft."
Sir Michael was also a great friend of Stepney's former team-mate George Best, after first meeting the Northern Irishman when he arrived in England as a teenager. The United icon was a guest on Parkinson's TV show and he wrote a book on the footballing genius.
"I met George when he was 16, when he first came to Manchester and I knew him until the day he died," he said. "And I can't be even-minded about George. I mean, he was the greatest soccer player I ever saw. He was also a very good friend.
"A good friend, a loyal friend, and I loved him. Simple as that."
Our interview with Sir Michael Parkinson
The late, great Sir Michael Parkinson discussed his book on George Best with Stewart Gardner...
In another of his books, Michael Parkinson on Football, he wrote about the first match after the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, the game with Sheffield Wednesday at Old Trafford.
"It wasn't a football match," he stated. "It was a demonstration of grief so profound and resonant it still echoes today.
"We didn’t realise we were witnessing a resurrection of such consequences that it recruited devotees far afield from the city limits of Manchester and created one of the world’s great sporting institutions."
Although a Barnsley supporter, in the early part of his distinguished career, Parkinson worked for The Manchester Guardian, before being employed by Granada TV, so he developed a lasting connection with United.
He interviewed several other stars with a connection to the club, including Sir Matt Busby and David Beckham.
Former United no.7 Becks posted this message on social media: "We say goodbye to the best. Waking up to the sad news of Michael Parkinson passing. I was so lucky to not just be interviewed by Michael but to be able to spend precious time talking about football and family - our two passions - plus the Goldenballs moment! Sending love to Mary and the whole family."
A true great of his profession who will never be forgotten, his was certainly a life to be celebrated.
Rest in peace, Sir Michael.