George
Best
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Appearances470
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Total goals179
George
Biography
“If I’d been born ugly, you’d never have heard of Pelé.” Many a true word is spoken in jest, and few would argue George Best was the most naturally gifted footballer Britain has produced.
Speed, balance, vision, superb close control, the ability to create chances and score from seemingly impossible situations tells half the story. The other half was an uncontainable zest for the game as it should be played, a ceaseless trickery and joy. Pelé, for his part, dubbed United’s no.7 "the greatest player in the world."
A skinny teenager from Belfast's Cregagh estate, Best was spotted by United scout Bob Bishop, who famously told Matt Busby: “Boss, I think I’ve found you a genius”.
Having fought off initial homesickness, Best turned professional on his 17th birthday in May 1963, made his debut in September – and scored on his second appearance. A first cap for Northern Ireland swiftly followed. And in 1964/65, alongside Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and David Herd, Best was a key figure in the Reds’ first title triumph since the pre-Munich era.
The following season he almost single-handedly destroyed Benfica in the European Cup quarter-final in their own back yard. After scoring twice in a 5-1 success to inflict the Lisbon giants’ first home defeat in Europe he was dubbed ‘El Beatle’.
A second title followed in 1967, and Best proved the scourge of Benfica again a year later in the 1968 European Cup Final, giving the Reds a 2-1 extra-time lead en route to a 4-1 success. Best’s 28 goals that season – he was PFA and European Footballer of the Year – made him United's top scorer, a position he retained over the next four campaigns.
As the Busby era ended and an ageing side was dismantled, Best struggled with the personal demons that would dog him until his death in November 2005. He famously ‘retired’ to Marbella in 1972, before coming back again and eventually leaving for good in January 1974 for a globe-trotting series of destinations taking in, among others, the rather unlikely surrounds of Dunstable Town, Fulham, Los Angeles Aztecs, Brisbane Lions and the Jewish Guild of South Africa.
As he asked, he should be remembered for the back-page headlines, not the front. And what glorious memories they are. His 361 league appearances in Red brought 136 goals; he holds the post-War record for the most goals by a United player in a single match – six versus Northampton Town, in an 8-2 FA Cup fifth-round mauling in 1970.
Best’s send-off in November 2005, a riotous afternoon of applause at West Ham, was followed by a game of which he would have been justly proud. Appropriately enough, fellow Irishman John O’Shea netted the winner.
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Position
Forward
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Country
Northern Ireland
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v West Brom (H) League
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Left United
Latest
When Best played for Bournemouth Article
George Best’s extensive United postscript included a brief, unexpected sojourn on the south coast with the Cherries.
Trivia: United's hat-trick heroes Article
All the facts you need to know about our treble scorers, after Anthony Martial took the match-ball home on Wednesday.
Thornley: How I was humbled by Best comparison Article
In the new UTD Podcast episode, Ben Thornley recalls his time as an exciting winger in United's youth team.
'Training with Best, Law and Charlton was amazing' Article
On today’s MUTV Group Chat, Sammy McIlroy talked about how he felt when joining United in 1969.
Kings of Europe, 1968 video
As a tribute to Tony Dunne, here are the highlights from his team's greatest triumph - the 1968 European Cup final...
Goal of the Day: Best v Leicester City video
A genius was born on this day in 1946. In George Best’s honour, we’ve unearthed this little-seen gem against Leicester…
Scott and Jesse pick their all-time Academy XI Article
There are some surprises in the boys' side – find out which two current first-teamers get in and who misses out!
We beat Real Madrid... and then got criticised! Article
Can you believe it? Fans paid £12 to see Best score in a 1-0 triumph, but the press weren’t impressed. Find out why...
On this day: George Best scored six goals Article
It’s half a century since the wing wizard netted a double hat-trick for United in the FA Cup at Northampton.
Goal of the Day: Best v Northampton video
This brilliant diving header is the fourth of six George Best scored against Northampton, on this day 50 years ago…
The United Trinity’s first steps Article
On this day in 1964, United's legendary attacking trio played together for the first time.
Remembering George Best Article
United fan John White pays a personal tribute to his compatriot George Best, who passed away on 25 November in 2005.
Goal of the Day: Best v Chelsea video
George Best's sublime solo goal against Wednesday's opponents is our featured goal for today...
Inside United: The Red Idols issue Article
See what's in the latest edition of the club's monthly magazine, which features George Best as its cover star.
Image card
George Best is the cover star for the brand new issue of Inside United, which is on sale now...