Jose could have done with Carey
IN a season when a dressingroom revolt cost Jose Mourinho his job as manager of Manchester United, it is fitting that it is 100 years since one of the Old Trafford club’s greatestever captains was born.
Johnny Carey – the Irishman known as ‘Gentleman John’ in recognition of the classy way he conducted himself both on and off the pitch – was the natural leader of Matt Busby’s first great post-war United teams.
He lifted the FA Cup at Wembley in 1948 and skippered a side that finished second in four out of five seasons in the old First Division, before they were crowned champions in 1952.
But it was Carey’s role in helping Busby manage a potentially damaging dressingroom rift that played a key part in enabling the Scottish boss to establish himself as a man not to be messed with at the start of his reign.
When United reached the FA Cup semi-final in 1948, the heads of Busby’s players were turned by rumours that opponents Derby would be getting bonus payments of up to £100 a man to beat the Reds at Hillsborough.
Football League rules at the time set the maximum wage at just £8 a week.
So some disgruntled United players urged Carey to confront Busby on their behalf.
Carey’s request for the club to agree to pay substantial bonuses for a Wembley appearance was turned down.
But the genial Dubliner ensured that his team-mates concentrated on the game by explaining that it was simply impossible for the club to break the draconian financial rules.
United beat Derby 3-1 before despatching Blackpool 4-2 in a brilliant final. How Mourinho could have done with a man of Carey’s character in his corner this season.