Mysteries of Lisbon: 1966 (Edit).
John Connelly, Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg, Pat Crerand, Matt Busby, David Herd, Nobby Stiles, Denis Law, Tony Dunne, George Best, Shay Brennan and Bill Foulkes have a gander at Henry The Navigator while taking in the Lisbon Atlantic air, the morning of the return leg of their 1966 QF European Cup tie against the mighty Benfica. Before kick-off Eusebio was presented with the 1965 European Footballer of Year award. The Black Pearl didn't get much of a look in after the final whistle though - Europe had just found a new super star. And his name was George. Understandably, Matt Busby was a little edgy about the 3-2 lead United brought into the tie and requested his players keep it tight early doors. The lads obliged - for a full six minutes, when George Best headed in from a Tony Dunne cross. This was the cue for the United to go on the rampage as Best ran the Portugese ragged with his lightening quick pace and mesmerising dribbling ability. Best scored his and United's second after a fabulous run in the twelfth minute and United went on to crush the Lisbon men 5-1. The Estadio da Luz had just witnessed it's first ever home defeat in European football. George returned to Manchester the next day, wearing a sombrero and was christened 'El Beatle'. He became front page news across the continent, a privilege he both enjoyed and endured until his death in November 2005.
Mysteries of Lisbon: 1966 (Edit).
John Connelly, Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg, Pat Crerand, Matt Busby, David Herd, Nobby Stiles, Denis Law, Tony Dunne, George Best, Shay Brennan and Bill Foulkes have a gander at Henry The Navigator while taking in the Lisbon Atlantic air, the morning of the return leg of their 1966 QF European Cup tie against the mighty Benfica. Before kick-off Eusebio was presented with the 1965 European Footballer of Year award. The Black Pearl didn't get much of a look in after the final whistle though - Europe had just found a new super star. And his name was George. Understandably, Matt Busby was a little edgy about the 3-2 lead United brought into the tie and requested his players keep it tight early doors. The lads obliged - for a full six minutes, when George Best headed in from a Tony Dunne cross. This was the cue for the United to go on the rampage as Best ran the Portugese ragged with his lightening quick pace and mesmerising dribbling ability. Best scored his and United's second after a fabulous run in the twelfth minute and United went on to crush the Lisbon men 5-1. The Estadio da Luz had just witnessed it's first ever home defeat in European football. George returned to Manchester the next day, wearing a sombrero and was christened 'El Beatle'. He became front page news across the continent, a privilege he both enjoyed and endured until his death in November 2005.