Often in football the word ‘legend’ is used exhaustively when discussing former players. Some ex-stars are truly, really, deserving of the monicker, and one of those is Manchester United great George Best.
George Best would have been celebrating his 78th birthday, having been born on May 22, 1946.
Best passed away in November 2005 following health complications following a liver transplant an ongoing battle with alcohol addiction, and was mourned by thousands of football fans the world over in the wake of his death.
Best was trending on X as Manchester United fans paid tribute to the 1968 European Cup winner on his birthday. The club icon has a statue outside Old Trafford befitting his legendary status.
Best is one of the greatest players in club history, scoring 179 goals for the club, becoming renowned for his swashbuckling style on the pitch in an era far less refined than the conditions players perform in today.
Seven quotes about George Best
George Best wore Manchester United’s iconic number seven shirt, coming through the academy ranks to become one of the club’s all-time leading goalscorers, leading Sir Matt Busby’s post-Munich rebuild.
Best remains an icon for everybody who saw him play, and those brought up on Manchester United’s rich history.
We have delved into the archive to find seven quotes from former teammates, coaches, and football legends, who have a lot to say about George Best.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was a player himself during George Best’s playing days, and even went up against him.
He gave his own recollection of Best’s qualities as a player, quoted via the Irish Examiner, paying tribute to the former Northern Ireland international.
Ferguson said: “My own particular memory of him is playing against Scotland at Windsor Park. Tommy Gemmill was one of the best full-backs in the world at the time George gave him the mother and father of all chasings. I will always remember that particular day.
“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.”
Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away in 2023, was George Best’s teammate, lifting the European Cup together in 1968 against Benfica.
He commented: “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.”
Diego Maradona
Another of football’s flawed yet mesmeric geniuses was the great Diego Maradona, who admitted his admiration for the Manchester United icon and compared his own game to Best.
Diego Maradona, explained, per RTE: “George inspired me when I was young. He was flamboyant and exciting and able to inspire his team-mates.
“I actually think we were very similar players – dribblers who were able to create moments of magic.”
Steve Bruce
Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce explained how Best’s legacy was passed down through the eras at the club.
Bruce said: “When you speak to people in Manchester, when they talk of the great players – and in my era it was Beckenbauer, Pele, Cruyff – then George Best always seems to come into the equation.
“In a lot of people’s eyes he was the greatest British player ever. I remember Brian Kidd telling me repeatedly that he was on a different level to everyone else.
“If you look at his record at Manchester United, it is incredible. I think he scored 200 odd goals in 400 odd games. He was quite an unbelievable talent.”
Wayne Rooney
After signing for Manchester United as a teenager, there were high expectations on Wayne Rooney. He sought to play down those lofty comparisons, making clear his respect for the former winger.
Wayne Rooney, Sky Sports “George Best was one of the best players in the world, if not the best player in the world.”
Sammy McIlroy
Former Manchester United midfielder Sammy McIlroy played alongside George Best for Northern Ireland, and explained why he believes Best is so special.
Via United club media, he expressed: “Obviously I’m a little bit biased, but he’s the best I’ve ever seen.
“He loved training; he was first out and last in, on pitches which were… well, bogs. They’re not what they are now, but he could do everything.
“He could beat people, create, shoot with his left and right foot, tackle, head a ball. Everything he could do. He was the complete footballer for me.”
Sir Matt Busby
The manager who handed George Best his Manchester United debut was Sir Matt Busby, who got the best out of the winger.
The Scot knew Best better than anybody, for all his faults, helping him to lead the team to glory, and individual honours, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1968.
Sir Matt Busby per BBC Sport was quoted in admiration of Best’s abilities: “He was able to use either foot – sometimes he seemed to have six.
“We had our problems with the wee fella, but I prefer to remember his genius.”
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