George Best signed for Fulham in the Second Division two years after leaving Manchester United. It came as a shock transfer that would see the former Ballon d’Or winner return to England from the United States.
After 13 years at Manchester United, graduating from the youth academy and starring in the 1968 European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby, George Best became a journeyman as far as football was concerned.
At the age of 28, Best had turned his back on a glittering career at United when the pressure of the limelight became too much, especially at a time he had off-field struggles.
Best would score 178 goals in 466 games for United before leaving the club, but his pace was gone by the time he arrived at Fulham in 1976.
Fulham were getting a marvellous player, still capable of scoring goals as he would go on to prove, but he had his troubles and wasn’t the player he was in the late 60s.
Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson perfectly captures the ethos of believing in youngsters 🔥👏
Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down. These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking at the opening of Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium in 2017
Sir Alex Ferguson arrives at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
A transfer from Los Angeles Aztecs led to a dream start for Best at Fulham. The Northern Ireland winger scored just 71 seconds into his debut for the Second Division side.
Best struck a partnership with former QPR and Man City forward Rodney Marsh during his time at Craven Cottage, with the pair being the biggest names playing for Fulham at the time, along with England icon Bobby Moore.
More United News
During his brief spell at Fulham, which ended in late 1977, Best made 47 appearances and scored 10 goals.
The Fulham Three - Bobby Moore, George Best and Rodney Marsh
Photo by David Ashdown/Keystone/Getty Images
Thousands of Man Utd fans cheer on George Best at Fulham match
United didn’t have any meetings against Fulham while Best played for the club, but that didn’t stop fans from following their icon if away trips to London made it possible.
The arrival of Best caused a sensation. He wasn’t the player who mesmerised defenders and crowds alike during his United years, but he was still better than a lot of the players he shared a pitch with.
Best brought the crowds to Craven Cottage. He was the biggest show in town, and a few hundred United fans took advantage of that when a trip to QPR was cancelled just hours before kick-off.
Fulham dented Oldham Athletic’s promotion hopes with a 5-0 win on the day, despite tricky conditions at Craven Cottage during a harsh winter.
United fan and author Pete Molyneux recalls the trip for United In Focus, after travelling to Loftus Road with fellow Reds.
“I had a van and took about 10-15 lads down there,” Molyneux said.
“The game [against QPR] got called off about an hour or so before kick-off. We’re in London and heading towards Shepherd’s Bush and we had two choices: Arsenal vs Newcastle or Fulham vs Oldham.
“You’d normally pick Arsenal versus Newcastle as it was a top-flight game, but Georgie Best was playing for Fulham. We went and so did a lot of other Reds, in the Craven Cottage End, cheering Bestie on.
“Fulham won 5-0 but I don’t think Bestie scored. We just cheered him on and gave him extra support. There were a few hundred Reds there that day in December 1976.”
⭐ Were you lucky enough to see George Best play?
Tell us about your memories…
George Best DP
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Two years on from when Best last kicked a ball for United, the fans still idolised him. That remains the case to this day as we celebrate his life with each passing anniversary.
Molyneux added how Best was seen by United fans in 1976, shortly after leaving the club, which proves he will be forever cherished by United fans.
“He was then, even two years after he had left, and still now, a great hero,” he said.
“Timeless with the gifts he had as a footballer. Loved as a man as well.”
Manchester United Review – Issue 15
In the 15th issue of Manchester United Review, the legendary journalist David Meek wrote about United fans watching Best play for Fulham at Craven Cottage in December 1976.
In a column discussing ‘club topics’, Meek, who worked for the Manchester Evening News, describes a ‘magic moment’ involving club icon Best.
Meek wrote: “Manchester United fans rallied behind Oldham when their own match at Queen’s Park Rangers was frozen off.
“Several hundred made their way to Fulham to see near-neighbours Oldham in action.
“Sadly there wasn’t much for them to cheer about as the Latics crashed 5-0, but at least they saw one of their old favourites have a good game.
“George Best, though playing well within himself compared with his Old Trafford days, still managed to look the outstanding player on the pitch.
“George strolls where once he would have sprinted, but he can still produce magic moments such as the cheeky chip that saw him score one of the goals.
“I’m sure there must have been a few United fans who went home saddened that George Best had to lose his commitment for football when he was at Old Trafford.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox