United's sadness as Terry Beckett passes away

Thursday 23 May 2019 12:00

Everyone at Manchester United was saddened to receive the news that Terry Beckett, a former Busby Babe and talent scout, has passed away, aged 80.

Born in Manchester, Beckett was hailed as something of a wonder-kid during his days as a schoolboy player with Manchester Boys and England Boys, collecting two caps for his appearances against Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Needless to say, his signature was coveted by numerous clubs, but the lure of joining United was too tempting to ignore.

He proceeded to collect an FA Youth Cup winners’ medal in 1955 after helping the Reds to defeat West Bromwich Albion 7-1 on aggregate over two legs. A winger or inside-forward, he scored a goal in the second leg at The Hawthorns; his team-mates that day included several United luminaries, including Eddie Colman, Wilf McGuinness, Shay Brennan, Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton.
Terry Beckett is in the front row, second from the left, ahead of the FA Youth Cup semi-final with Chelsea in 1955.

Terry also appeared in the early rounds of the following season’s competition but he wasn’t included in the team that retained the trophy for a fourth successive time after overcoming a Chesterfield side which included Gordon Banks in goal.

In the summer of 1956, he moved across town to try his luck at Manchester City, staying for just one season before making another local move to join Altrincham, who, at the time, were in the Cheshire League.

Fitness problems eventually curtailed his playing career but he maintained his links with Old Trafford and, for some time, worked in a scouting capacity for the club.

Everyone at Manchester United extends their sincere condolences and thoughts at this sad time for Terry’s family and friends.