United: The Busby Era

When Manchester United's directors appointed Matt Busby manager in 1945 they made the most significant decision in the club's history. League titles, the European Cup, the Busby Babes and Munich all made it an era of great highs and lows.

In his first six years in charge, United never finished lower than fourth in the top flight and won the FA Cup in 1948. In 1952 they secured their first League title for 41 years.

As he assembled the famed 'Busby Babes' under captain Roger Byrne, Busby took the club to consecutive League titles in 1956 and 1957. Then came the dream of European glory, a dream that was shattered at Munich.

Busby himself fought and won a courageous battle against severe injuries and assembled another great team that won the FA Cup in 1963 and Championships in 1965 and 1967.

The stage was set for the greatest triumph - the winning of the European Cup in 1968. It was the crowning glory for Busby and for players like George Best and Bobby Charlton.

About the Author

Mike Prestage is a Manchester-born, freelance journalist and writer who has reported on a range of sports including rugby union, football and cricket for national newspapers. He also written about boxing.