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
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's winner v Chelsea video
George Best's sublime solo goal against Wednesday's opponents is our featured goal for today...
Goal of the Day: Best's winner v Chelsea 1970 Article
The legendary winger'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.
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George Best is the cover star for the brand new issue of Inside United, which is on sale now...
Six of the best from George video
One of George's best games for United was when he scored SIX goals against Northampton Town in 1970...
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On this day in 1964, George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton played together for the first time. Legends 🔴
When George Best came of age - by David Meek Print Product
Here's a classic article written by former United journalist David Meek, who has sadly passed away.
Source
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Eric's in Belfast... paying tribute to another legendary United no.7! 🙌
Kings of Europe, 1968: Key men quoted Article
See what some of the central figures had to say about United's historic 4-1 win over Benfica on 29 May 1968.
50 years since Best beat Real Madrid video
50 years ago, Georgie scored the only goal in our 1968 European Cup semi-final first leg against Real Madrid...
United earn narrow win to take to Spain video
50 years ago, Georgie scored the only goal in our 1968 European Cup semi-final first leg against Real Madrid...
'Everybody feared Real in those days' Article
It's 50 years since our historic European Cup semi-final, first leg win over Real Madrid.
'A vital step on the road to the Holy Grail' Article
Fifty years ago, Matt Busby's United left it late to beat Polish champions Gornik Zabrze en route to the European Cup.