Sir Matt Busby’s Legacy on Sale
A piece of football history is set to go under the hammer as the family of Sir Matt Busby, the legendary Manchester United manager, is selling his Manchester FA Senior Cup winner’s medal from the 1928-29 season. This nine-carat gold medal, engraved with “Manchester City F.C, Winners, M. Busby,” is a testament to Busby’s early career before he went on to become an icon at Manchester United. The medal is estimated to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000 at the live online auction hosted by Surrey-based Ewbank’s on February 26. Alongside the medal, his extensive collection of football match programmes from the 1950s to the 1980s will also be up for sale, providing collectors and fans with a rare glimpse into the life and career of one of football’s most revered figures.
Early Days at Manchester City
Sir Matt Busby’s journey to becoming Manchester United’s most storied manager began as a teenager with Manchester City. Joining the club in 1928, he played there for eight years before moving to Liverpool in 1936. During his time at City, Busby not only honed his skills but also made a significant impact on the club, contributing to their success in the Manchester FA Senior Cup in the 1928-29 season. This medal is a tangible reminder of those formative years and the beginnings of a career that would later see him achieve unparalleled success at his future club.
A Manchester United Icon
After his playing career, Busby transitioned into management and took the helm at Manchester United in 1945. He is widely regarded as the club’s most important manager, alongside Sir Alex Ferguson. Under Busby’s leadership, Manchester United won the league championship five times and lifted the European Cup in 1968, a decade after the tragic Munich air crash. The crash, which claimed the lives of several of his young players, known as the "Busby Babes," left an indelible mark on the club and Busby himself. His ability to rebuild the team and steer them to further glory is a testament to his resilience and visionary leadership.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Tribute
Sir Alex Ferguson, who surpassed Busby as Manchester United’s longest-serving manager in 2010, spoke fondly of his predecessor. Ferguson described Busby as being "frozen into the memory bank" and emphasized the enduring influence of his legacy. Ferguson remarked, “I think of Sir Matt Busby as being here forever. He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968. The timespan [of his reign] seems to be much longer than mine. Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion. I did not have that. That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever.” The emotional weight of the Munich disaster and the subsequent rebuilding process deeply resonated with Ferguson, highlighting the unique challenges Busby faced and overcame.
Managers’ Wisdom Passed Down
Ferguson also shared the valuable advice Busby gave him during his tenure: “The most important piece of advice he gave me was not to read the press. It was great advice and I have not read it since. The issue of ex-players at the club was something I have been addressing for quite a long time. I wanted to keep all our great players around the club in some capacity. I had Sir Bobby Charlton on the board and Sir Matt was here as well. People like that are able to understand the dimensions of Manchester United. That is necessary to understand the role of manager. It was very helpful to me.” This guidance underscores the mentorship and continuity within Manchester United’s storied history, where the wisdom of one great manager was passed down to another.
Manchester United’s Upcoming Match
While history bids farewell to a piece of Busby’s early career, Manchester United continues its present-day journey. The team is set to face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, bringing a new chapter to the club’s ongoing narrative. Despite recent struggles, including a 12th Premier League defeat against Tottenham, the spirit and legacy of Sir Matt Busby remain a guiding force for the club. As they prepare for the match, the players and management will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of their former manager, who helped build the foundation of Manchester United’s success and resilience.
