Former Manchester United wing-half Jimmy Nicholson passed away on Wednesday, but he will be remembered for being the young man Sir Matt Busby trusted to help shape the club’s history.
Everyone connected with Manchester United is mourning the death of Jimmy Nicholson, who was 82, following the sad news on Wednesday evening.
The Northern Ireland hero joined United at the age of 15 and made his debut against Everton at Goodison Park in August 1960 at the age of 17. This was a fine example of the faith Sir Matt Busby put in young players, which he was required to do again after the Munich Air Disaster.
Nicholson made a total of 68 appearances for United before joining Huddersfield, who he guided to Second Division success in 1970 as captain.
The Belfast-born wing-half also earned 41 international caps for Northern Ireland. Injuries prevented Nicholson from making more appearances for his country.
Manchester United squad in 1963
Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images
Jimmy Nicholson brought George Best back to Manchester
Nicholson was rated highly by Busby, which is proven by the number of appearances he made for United’s first team.
It cannot be denied that his impact at Old Trafford went beyond his performances on the pitch, after spending four years at the club and helping strengthen its strong connection to the city of Belfast, in Northern Ireland.
Nicholson would join United in 1958, three years before Best emerged on the club’s radar.
More United News
Legendary scout Bob Bishop was looking for the young talent that could help United win the football league and become successful in Europe.
Three years after Nicholson’s arrival, Bishop discovered two more young players from Belfast, named George Best and Eric McMordie.
It has been well documented that Best suffered with homesickness at the time and returned to Belfast, despite impressing at United.
According to a story in the Belfast Telegraph, Busby turned to Nicholson to use his Belfast connection to take Best back to Old Trafford.
It was a successful mission, led by Nicholson, that would go on to shape United’s future because Best went on to become one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
Nicholson and Best played together for Northern Ireland on 20 occasions.
Best would go on to win the 1968 European Cup under Busby, 10 years on from the disaster in Munich.
Man Utd tribute to Jimmy Nicholson
United were quick to pay tribute to Nicholson after confirmation of his passing.
The tributes flooded in on social media on Wednesday evening following the sad news.
When Nicholson hung up his boots, he remained in Manchester and worked as a leisure centre manager in the city.
United In Focus would like to send its thoughts to Nicholson’s family and loved ones.