George 'Georgy' Best 1946-2005

Tributes are being paid across Manchester to George Best who died in hospital today. Friends and former teammates from his United playing days have been remembering one of the greatest players of all time.

George Best made his United debut in 1963 at the age of 17 against West Brom before going on to make more than 360 club appearances scoring 136 goals.
In a glittering career for the Reds, he won league title medals in 1965 & 1967 and scored in United's sensational 4-1 win over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final.
Arguably the most naturally gifted player of his generation, the Belfast boy will go down in history for his unique talent of bewitching defenders with his sublime control.

Tributes from Manchester
Here are some of those tributes paid by friends and teammates from his playing days in Manchester.

Sir Matt Busby, former United manager

"In all my experience in football, I have never seen a player who could beat a man - or men - so close or in so many ways."

Sir Bobby Charlton, former team-mate and United director

"Manchester United's glorious history has been created by people like George Best. Anyone that witnessed what George could do on the pitch wished they could do the same. He made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play. It is a very sad day. Football has lost one of its greats, and I have lost a dear friend."

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager

"He was such a special player, a phenomenal player and I think I speak for everyone associated with Manchester United when I say he has left us with a million memories, all of them good ones. Some people are just born with a craft and leave an indelible mark on people's lives. The thing I remember, apart from his talent, was his courage. I can see him flying down the wing riding tackles from people like Ron Harris, Tommy Smith and Norman Hunter. They were serious guys - you didn't mess with them. Every time he went down he got up again and just said 'Give me the ball.' That will stick in my mind forever."
Tommy Docherty, former United manager
"He would have been even better if he'd been able to pass nightclubs the way he passed a ball."

Denis Law, former United team-mate

"From 1964 to 1969, he was the best player in the country. It's sad as hell, but I don't think we saw the best of him. I think he went on the blink at a time when he could have got even better. You hit your peak as a player around 28 and he was gone by then. Even so, I'd put him on a par with the top six I ever saw. I wouldn't like to choose between George, Di Stefano, Cruyff, Maradona, Pele and big John Charles. Bestie definitely belongs among that elite."

Alex Stepney, former United team-mate

"George was the greatest player I played with and that's saying something when you have three European Footballers of the Year in your team." And off the pitch? "He was a gentleman. He was a single lad, enjoyed his life but when he was with any of the lads and the families he was a pleasure to be with. We know what he's gone through, the life he's led but every player that he ever played with will be very sad.. very, very sad."


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