Who Is Matt Busby? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 26, 1909, in Orbiston, Scotland, Matt Busby would have celebrated his 116th birthday in 2025. He was a revered football player and manager, most famously associated with Manchester United. Under his management, the club flourished, winning numerous titles, including the FA Cup and European Cup. Busby's approach emphasized young talent and attacking football, principles that continue to influence the game today.
Occupation | Footballer |
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Date of Birth | May 26, 1909 |
Age | 84 Years |
Birth Place | Orbiston, Bellshill, Scotland |
Horoscope | Gemini |
Country | England |
Date of death | 20 January, 1994 |
Died Place | Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England |
Popularity
Matt Busby's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a player, Matt Busby stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His athletic build contributed to his success on the field, where he played as a wing-half. His weight during his playing career was around 168 lbs (76 kg). While exact measurements are not documented, he maintained a fit physique consistent with athletes of his era.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Matt Busby was married to his wife, Christine, in 1936. The couple shared a loving relationship until Christine's passing in 1994, just months before Matt himself died. They had two children, who have kept his legacy alive through their involvement in football and charity work. As it stands, there is no known boyfriend or girlfriend mentioned in the context of Matt Busby's personal life, as he remained devoted to his family throughout his life.
Busby's father, Alexander, was a miner called up to serve in the First World War and was killed by a sniper's bullet on 23 April 1917 at the Battle of Arras.
His great-great-grandfather, George Busby, emigrated to Scotland from Ireland during the Great Famine, while his mother's side of the family emigrated to Scotland from Ireland later on in the 19th century. Three of his uncles were killed in France with the Cameron Highlanders.
Busby's mother was left to raise Matt and his three sisters alone until her marriage to a man called Harry Matthie in 1919.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Matt Busby's net worth was estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million. His earnings during his career as a footballer and manager came primarily from team salaries and endorsements. However, his greatest wealth lies in the legacy he created and the countless lives he inspired through his football career.
Career, Business and Investments
Matt Busby’s most notable career achievement came as the manager of Manchester United, a position he held for over 20 years. Under his guidance, the team saw an unprecedented rise to fame, securing many trophies, including five league titles and the historic European Cup in 1968. After retiring, his influence continued through various roles, including advisory positions. His understanding of football management and youth development has been studied and admired by managers worldwide.
Before going into management, Busby was a player for two of Manchester United's greatest rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool. During his time at City, Busby played in two FA Cup Finals, winning one of them.
After his playing career was interrupted by the Second World War, Busby was offered the job of assistant coach at Liverpool, but they were unwilling to give him the control that he wanted over the first team.
As a result, he took the vacant manager's job at Manchester United instead, where he built the famous Busby Babes team that won successive Football League First Division titles and challenged for the European Cup.
Eight of these players died in the Munich air disaster, but Busby rebuilt the team and won several more First Division titles as well as other domestic cups before he took United to European Cup glory a decade later. In a total of 25 years with the club, he won 13 trophies including five league championships and the European Cup.
Social Network
Despite being a figure of the past, the legacy of Matt Busby is celebrated across social media platforms and football forums today. Various pages and groups dedicated to Manchester United and his life allow fans to reminisce about his contributions to the sport. While Busby himself did not participate in social media, his impact is ever-present in discussions about football history.
Bob Paisley joined Liverpool from Bishop Auckland in 1939, and it was Busby who took him under his wing and showed him the ropes at Anfield. This led to a lifelong friendship between two of the most successful managers in English football history. The Second World War arrived soon after, and with it came an end to Busby's playing days.
Like many of the Liverpool playing staff, he signed on for national service in the King's Liverpool Regiment.
Education
Matt Busby's formal education history is not extensively documented; however, he was known for his sharp tactical mind and ability to mentor younger players, which speaks to his understanding of the game. He began his football journey with local clubs, later earning a professional contract, which highlights the importance of practical experience over formal educational traditions in sports.
In conclusion, Matt Busby's influence on football remains eternal. As we reflect on his life in 2025, it's clear that his contributions to the sport transcend generations, inspiring future players and managers to embrace a philosophy of passion, dedication, and commitment to developing young talent.
Busby was raised Catholic. Always a devout Catholic, in 1972, Pope Paul VI made him a Knight of Order of Saint Gregory the Great. He had been appointed Knight Bachelor four years earlier.