Legends on legends | Cliff Jones on 'Busby Babe' Duncan Edwards: "I'm sure he would have gone on to become the best player in the world"
As Manchester United mark the anniverary of the Munich Air Disaster - 6 February, 1958 - ahead of our Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday (12.30pm UK), we've dipped into our archives to bring you the thoughts of one of our greats, Cliff Jones, on the shining light of the 'Busby Babes', Duncan Edwards.
Legends on Legends
Cliff Jones on Duncan Edwards, 2015
Cliff Jones believes the sky was the limit for the iconic figure of United's 'Busby Babes', Duncan Edwards, tragically killed following the Munich Air Disaster in February, 1958.
A key member of Bill Nicholson's 'glory glory' team of the early 1960s, Cliff actually played with Edwards in the British Army team in the mid-1950s.
Edwards was the player of his generation and only 21 when he was one of eight United players tragically killed in a plane crash on their way back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade. Edwards survived the crash on 6 February, 1958, but died in hospital 15 days later.
"I'm sure he would have gone on to become the best player in the world," said Cliff. "What a tragedy that he passed away aged just 21."
An all-action midfielder - playing left-half or inside-left - Edwards was the youngest player to play in the First Division when he made his debut for United aged 16 years, 154 days in 1953. He made his full England debut April, 1955 aged 18 years, 183 days - the youngest debutant after the Second World War, and a record that stood until Michael Owen's debut in 1998.
In just five years, Edwards made 177 appearances for United and helped them claim back-to-back titles in 1956 and 1957. He also won 18 England caps, scoring five goals.
"I didn’t play against the Busby Babes but I played with a lot of those players for the British Army team, the likes of Bobby Charlton, Eddie Colman and, of course, Duncan Edwards. Dave Mackay was also in that team as well, we had quite a side!" said Cliff, a legend here at Spurs with four major trophies and 159 goals in 378 appearances between 1958-68.
"Duncan had everything, the skill, the physique, the commitment, he was just a great, great player.
"Bobby Charlton always said the only player he ever felt in awe of during his career was Duncan Edwards. That’s coming from the great Bobby Charlton, who many see as the greatest player himself!"
Indeed, Sir Bobby's words provide an insight into how just how highly Edwards was regarded. "The best player I’ve ever seen and the best footballer I ever played with. The only player who ever made me feel inferior."
