Manchester United Youth Team

The Manchester Youth Team were all conquering for three seasons upto 1955 because – it was argued – they had a ‘unfair advantage’ by including Duncan Edwards in their team.

Manchester United Manager -Matt Busby - did not agree and he responded as follows:-

"Duncan qualifies by age to play in the United Youth Team - but he is a player who has actually played for England at Wembley, and is included in the England touring party going to France, Italy and Portugal in the close season." 

"In view of this, the general opinion is that Manchester United should not include him in their Youth team."

“This talk annoys me! Duncan is eligible to participate in the Youth Cup. And, what is more, is keen to play. He is no seeker of cup’s and medals, but he is just as anxious as any other United young player to have the United name inscribed on the Cup for the third successive season. It would be an achievement which, perhaps may never be equalled." 

“He may be ‘outsize’ in juniors, but he will probably tell you that he has to work just as hard – if not harder- in the Youth Cup competition as in senior football."

“He is, as they say, ‘football daft’. He dreams football and loves to talk about it and is eager to learn everything he can from the game. Duncan Edwards has not become a great footballer by bulldozer tactics. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest examples we have ever had of a footballer maturing at an early age."

“But if the rules of the competition mean that he is eligible to take part, then I see no earthly reason to quibble, I don’t doubt that if other club’s had the opportunity they would willingly include him in their Youth side."

“Duncan Edwards has come to the front the hard way. That is by constant training and coaching. The United youngster never needs to be told what to do – though he is not alone in that respect."

“He, like others, is determined to make a success of his career as a footballer. He is willing to listen to advice and put that advice into practise on the field. Here is an 18 year old whose example can be a lesson to every soccer-thinking youth."

“I am happy to think that Duncan is getting so many honours from the game. I am glad to know that he remains as keen a player in junior soccer circles as in representative games."

“But to suggest that because of his exceptional talent he should not play in Youth games is in my opinion ridiculous.”

United were to make it a hat trick of victories in the 1954/55 Youth Cup, beating West Bromwich Albion 7-1 on aggregate in the final. Duncan scoring once in the first leg, with the second leg being his final appearance in this competition.