Me out of the blue, then came the hype CONOR AIMS TO PUSH ON
roasting — played right,” says Dunphy.
“He destroyed a killer fullback, Graham Williams, I think his name was and he was terrifying. He ate wingers for fun.
“He would kick the shit out of you. George killed him, made a fool out of him and that was the moment when he made a big impact.
Skinny
(inset) outside
“He was a skinny little guy against this monster. George was man of the match. He stood out. It was an amazing performance.”
After Best’s debut Busby was unequivocal when asked for his views on his new winger, who was involved in the winning victory.
“Even with an injury, the lad showed what he could do,” he said.
“But believe me, he isn’t going to be just a good player, he’s going to be one of the greatest.”
Rich praise, but Best went straight back down into the reserves and didn’t play again until December 28, when he fired his first United goal in a 5-1 victory over Burnley.
Best stayed in the team after that, goal in a 1-0 playing 26 games and scoring six goals as United finished second in the League, four points behind Liverpool. He would help United to the League title the following season, edging out Leeds United on score difference.
LIFELONG FRIEND: Eamon Dunphy was close to Best at United
Titles
Best would go on to be the club’s top goalscorer in the League for five consecutive seasons, winning two League titles and one European Cup (1968). He was named European Footballer
LOCAL LEGEND: A mural nearby and (below) Peter McCabe with the picture of George, Dickie, Jock and Callum Best taken by Mary Stavin
of the Year award in 1968 after Manchester United’s European Cup triumph over Benfica.
But by then Best already a superstar.
He was nicknamed ‘El Beatle,’ by the English press when he landed home after the 1966 European Cup quarter-final thumping of Benfica.
“When it really took life was against Benfica away when they beat them 5-1 and George was brilliant that night,” says Dunphy.
“It was on television. He was amazing. That was it. It was crazy stuff after that. He lived in the limelight.” was
CONOR McMenamin is determined to keep taking his chances with Northern Ireland after his stand-out performance was the most encouraging thing about Thursday’s 4-2 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Slovenia.
The 28-year-old looked full of confidence after his summer move from Glentoran to St Mirren, and was involved in most of the North’s best play.
The loss all but ended their hopes of reaching next summer’s Championship in Germany.
It was only a seventh cap for a player whose opportunity at this level came relatively late, but a performance which suggests he can establish himself in Michael O’Neill’s side.
Result
“I have mixed emotions,” McMenamin said. “Obviously performance-wise I thought I did really well but we were really down in the dressing room because of the result.
“I feel like I’m really confident at the moment when I go on the pitch.
“Michael said to me before the game that he had watched me loads this season and to just keep doing what I had been doing.”