Matt Busby left Manchester City (As a player) and joined Liverpool in 1936. He found no success with the Citizens besides an FA cup win, he found a better option with the Merseyside reds and decided to make the move (Yes, the only two clubs Matt Busby played for are United's biggest rivals).
Second World War disrupted a small part of a great footballing story. In 1939, a 20-year-old youngster named Robert joined Liverpool from Bishop Auckland. He couldn't make his debut because of the war as he was serving the British Army. But he took great admiration from the man who was mastering a similar role as him, in Sir Matt.
Young Robert played left-half and Sir Matt played right-half. Both players were known for their smart passing range and ability to knit attacks with their forward lines. English history always wonders how amazing Liverpool's midfield would've been with these two playing together, but that never happened. Yet, a friendship was formed that lasted an eternity.
By the way, some of you might've recognized already, but just in case you didn't, this Robert guy was none other than Robert "Bob" Paisley.
Sir Matt quit football during the war and trained the army Corps, where he laid foundation stones to one of the greatest managerial careers ever. 19th February 1945 - Sir Matt signed up to serve Manchester United, a few weeks after rejecting a managerial offer from Liverpool.
The man landed United their first league title in 41 years (in 1952), which was the first of five he won with the club. The team was nicknamed Busby Babes and just when everyone thought United were on the cusp of breaking every English record ever, 1958 happened.
No fan, footballer, family or a club in general ever deserves to face such a tragedy. As the legend has it, club stalwart Harry Gregg, who passed away this February, heroically saved Sir Matt from the wreckage.
This incident ate the man completely. He was devastated and contemplated quitting his position out of guilt. The great Jimmy Murphy was expected to take charge of the club, but he continued as Sir Matt's assistant.
Rebuilding took time, but United roped in some footballers who went on to have a great piece of history for themselves. Denis Law, George Best, David Herd came to the club and United went on to win the European Cup in 1968, a final fondly remembered for Best's heroics.
He quit the following season and also served as the club director and played a crucial role in signing a fellow Scottish legend for Manchester United named Alex Ferguson. He passed away aged 84, in 1994.
"Matt Busby is without the doubt the greatest manager that ever lived. I am not saying I THINK he is the greatest manager, I am saying he IS the greatest manager. Facts can prove that." - said his greatest rival Bill Shankly, indeed a beautiful tribute after all the ferocious battles they had.
Sir Matt's life was a dramatic movie, much like our lives in some or the other way. A connection with three rival clubs, a near death experience, mental trauma and the glory which followed. Indeed legendary, the man was something else.
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