In preparation for Monday night’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth, United In Focus take a look back at George Best’s brief spell with the Cherries in 1983.
There is no denying that the most defining chapter of George Best’s career came at Manchester United.
The Belfast-born winger came through United’s academy before starring in Sir Matt Busby’s side, which were crowned European champions, 10 years on from the Munich Air Disaster, which depleted the squad in 1958.
Best was part of the next era for Busby, often showcasing his breath-taking genius on the field, explaining why so many felt he was one of the most naturally gifted footballers to ever play the game.
We recently marked the 20th anniversary of Best’s death by looking back at his birth name.
Now, we’re looking back at the short period Best spent at Bournemouth.
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George Best and Sir Matt Busby
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George Best made five appearances for Bournemouth
Bournemouth were a very different football club in 1982/83.
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They competed in the Third Division and failed to get past the first round of the FA Cup that season.
Best, then aged 36, was signed for Bournemouth by manager Don Megson and played a total of five matches. It preceded his final club move to Australia.
Known for his ability to score goals from the wing at United, Best never actually scored for Bournemouth.
Although older and past his best, Best had timeless allure; the box-office appeal never left him, as fans would pack out Dean Court to watch one of football’s greatest-ever talents.
Best didn’t provide the goals that many would have expected at Bournemouth, but the story is something that will be forever told.
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What did Harry Redknapp say about George Best at Bournemouth?
Harry Redknapp remembers Best at Bournemouth.
He couldn’t sugar coat the fact that it wasn’t the same player as Best in the late 60s and early 70s.
“I couldn’t sit here and say he was anything like the George Best of old,” Harry Redknapp recalled, as quoted by Dorset Live.
“He was a strolling player by then. He wouldn’t pick the ball up and glide past three or four people like in his heyday.”
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Casemiro record Bournemouth
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