Wilf McGuinness: Football Career

His playing career ended through injury when he was only 22 and he joined United’s training staff. McGuinness was involved in the preparation of several England teams; including the 1966 World Cup squad. On 9 April 1969 it was announced that he was being appointed United’s chief coach; in readiness for Busby’s retirement at the end of the season.

Manager To Trainer – Coach

On 1 June 1969 he was given the manager’s job; in December 1970, he lost the position and reverted to trainer-coach of the reserve team. The concept of promoting from within had not worked for United and McGuinness had probably found it difficult to manage players; who were established internationals and who had achieved so much more than him as a player. However, McGuinness’s record achieved minor successes as United’s manager. Two League Cup semi-finals and one FA Cup semi-final; but he could not provide the League and European glory that the club so desperately needed.

Wilf McGuinness: Speaker

Wilf McGuinness later managed the Greek club, Aris Salonika, and then York City. In 1986, McGuinness was on the coaching staff at Bury; and is now much sought after for his wit as an after dinner speaker and football commentator. He often regales his audiences with stories of players like George Best and Bobby Charlton; as well as the many characters he has come across in the business of football.