Five of George Best’s most dazzling goals on 10th anniversary

Lee Gormley | 25.11.2015

Lee Gormley | November 25th, 2015

Five of the Best goals

On this day 10 years ago, the footballing world lost a true great as George Best sadly passed away, and to commemorate his unforgettable talents on the pitch, Coral have put together five of the Manchester United legend’s most impressive goals during his illustrious career.

Manchester United v Benfica, 1968

Ten years after the tragic Munich Air Disaster, Sir Matt Busby remarkably rebuilt his Red Devils ranks, and Best was pivotal to their historic 1968 European Cup triumph over Benfica.

Latching on the end of a lofted punt from stopper Alex Stepney, the player later dubbed ‘El Beatle’ calmly eases past an incoming Benfica defender before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home for ‘the Busby Babes’ in a famous 4-1 win at Wembley.

Manchester United v Northampton Town, 1970

The Belfast Boy came to global prominence as part of the Man Utd side that dominated English football in the 1960s, alongside fellow Ballon d’Or winners and club heroes Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

Linking up with those famous teammates in an FA Cup fifth round tie, watch Best score a sensational double hat-trick against a helpless Northampton Town, including a trademark sixth to cap-off a truly memorable performance. Current Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal would love to have someone of Best’s ability within his side this season, and his Red Devils are 4/1 to secure the Premier League title.

Manchester United v Sheffield United, 1971

Picking the ball up in a seemingly unthreatening position, Best burst into life with a typically dazzling drive forward, majestically flying by a helpless Sheffield rearguard before clinically firing into the left corner. A goal which simply summed up Best’s unrivalled attacking talents.

Manchester United v Tottenham, 1971

The former Northern Ireland international wasn’t just about his unpredictable solo runs through opposing defences. Best also possessed an astute gift for making goalkeepers look ridiculous from further out, and this ambitious lobbed effort past Spurs captures his sublime technical ability perfectly.

San Jose Earthquakes v Lauderdale Strikers, 1981

One of Best’s most mesmerising goals came during the latter stages of his prestigious career. Upon leaving Old Trafford, the Belfast native later arrived with San Jose Earthquakes in the NASL, and this incredible solo strike proved he still possessed the ability to go on a familiar mazy run.