Wilf McGuinness
Testimonial August 1st 1990 v Bury

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Wilf McGuinness has the rare distinction of both playing for and managing United. He joined the club as a sixteen year-old in June 1953, co-incidentally on the same day as Bobby Charlton

A natural leader, as a schoolboy he had captained Manchester, Lancashire and England Boys. McGuinness was a member of three triumphant Youth Cup teams in his early days at Old Trafford, captaining the side in 1955/56.

A defensive wing-half, McGuinness became a first team regualr at the start of the 1958/59 season, although he had made his senior début in October 1955, and won two England caps. Unfortunately, whilst playing for the Reserves in December 1959 against Stoke, McGuinness suffered a badly broken leg. The injury ended his playing career, although he did attempt a comeback during 1966/67 in which he played 32 games for the Reserves.

McGuinness joined the United coaching staff in 1961 and was appointed to England's coaching team by Alf Ramsey two years later. At just thirty-one years-old he was made United's Chief Coach on June 1st 1969, taking over first team affairs from Sir Matt Busby. He was apoointed manager a year later.

McGuinness guided United to three Cup semi-finals in his eighteen months in charge. In December 1970, with United in the bottom six and having been beaten by Third Division Aston Villa in the League Cup, McGuinness was relieved of his duties, although he remained at the club as coach of the Reserves.

The reluctance of Sir Matt Busby and the Board to sign any of the players suggested by McGuiness,and they included Mick MIlls, Colin Todd, and Malcolm McDonald, ultimately led to his failure to rebuild the ageing United side.

He left United in April 1971, joing Aris Thessalonika in Greece, and later was manager at York City, and assistant manager at Hull City. At the time of his testimonial, McGuinness was on the coaching staff at Bury.

Wilf McGuinness:
85 appearances
2 goals