Wilf McGuinness ]^1gT7b
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Wilf McGuinness was born in Manchester on 25 October 1937. As a youngster he captained Manchester, Lancashire and England schoolboys. He signed for Manchester United on amateur forms in January 1953. He turned professional in November 1954 and made his debut as a seventeen year old on 8 October 1955 at Old Trafford against Wolves. ~cE .kFvcw
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However, first team opportunities were limited and McGuinness faced tough competition from players such as Duncan Edwards. He did however play in thirteen games in the 1955/56 season, which meant that he qualified for a League Championship medal. hh
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In 1958 McGuinness suffered a bad injury, but one which probably saved his life as he missed the ill-fated trip to Belgrade. As a player he had a tremendous amount of determination and strength, and these were qualities which were recognised by his national coaches. He played for England youth, the Under-23's, and twice for the full England team. He also twice represented the Football League. TPv0 ] o
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At the age of 22 McGuinness was forced to retire after he broke his leg playing in the Central League. In 1965 McGuinness attempted a playing comeback with United's reserves, but the injury which initally forced him out of the game proved to be too severe. Z 4,T@?x
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After his retirement, McGuinness carved out a new career for himself in coaching, taking over as youth team manager in 1961 at Manchester United. In addition to this, he assisted England as youth team coach, and later helped Alf Ramsey with the training of the 1966 World Cup squad. ^XOzkl7b :
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In March 1969 McGuinness was promoted from assistant trainer to chief coach at Manchester United, a position he took up in June 1969. In August 1970, he was granted the title of manager of Manchester United. However, in December 1970 he was demoted to reserve team coach, with his predecessor Sir Matt Busby taking over all first team duties for the remainder of the season. McGuinness resigned in February 1971 to take up a coaching appointment in Greece. He has since had managerial spells with York City, Hull and Bury (as physiotherapist). Today, Wilf is a popular after-dinner speaker and works for United's commercial department on a match day. &yoTncvu
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Did You Know? X gT'mG
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Wilf McGuinness was signed for United on the same day as Bobby Charlton. f$2 C*/[
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Wilf McGuinness's son Paul works for United's school of excellence as a coach.
