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George Best, a name instantly recognisable around the world is one of football’s all time greats. His talent was first spotted at the age of 15, when Manchester United Football Club scout Bob Bishop watched him play in Belfast – reporting back to United Manager at the time, Matt Busby. that “I think I’ve found you a football genius”. This then resulted in George Best being given a trial at Manchester United by chief scout Joe Armstrong. Ironically Best was actually rejected by his local club in Belfast at the time ‘Glentoran’.

Only 2 years later, at the tender age of 17 he made his debut at Manchester United playing in a match against West Bromwich Albion on 14th September 1963 which they somewhat fortuitously won 1-0, setting a precedent for things to come and giving him a taste for victory from the outset. It was in only his second appearance that George Best managed to get onto the score sheet in a 5-1 victory over Burnley, quickly cementing his position as one of Manchester United’s most promising players in the eyes of Busby. This led to his inclusion in many more first team games after the New Year right to the end of the season.

Best quickly became a firm favourite with the general public as well as the media due to his outstanding ball skill and showmanship, and today is widely perceived as one of the first major superstars to come out of professional football. His good looks and long hair earned him the nickname ‘the fifth Beatle’, and he was often affectionately referred to as Georgie, or Geordie in his native city of Belfast. Before eventually leaving Manchester United, and his subsequent well documented demise, Best made 470 appearances for Manchester United scoring a total of 179 goals. In one remarkable fixture he managed to score six goals in a single game against the fourth division Northampton Town.

As well as many individual remarkable performances Best also achieved some other notable accolades during his football career. These include winning the European Cup after scoring in the final against Benfica during his time at Manchester United, being crowned European Footballer of the Year as well as Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year. Indeed he was so prolific during his time at Manchester United, that it was a sure bet that they would win any match during the 1966-67 season; indeed if online betting sites were around then – betting on Best to score a goal was almost a sure thing and would have earned many punters some easy money.