The Busby Babes

The 1953-54 season had begun in something of a disappointing fashion for Manchester United - winning only four of their opening fifteen games. Matt Busby took action by making changes to his somewhat ageing side.

For the away trip to Huddersfield Town he decided to keep Jackie Blanchflower and Dennis Viollet in the side following their promising displays against Kilmarnock, with Duncan Edwards, who had recently signed professional forms, retaining the number six jersey giving the side a rather youthful look.

“Busby’s Bouncing Babes Keep All Town Awake”

Proclaimed the headlines in the ‘Manchester Evening Chronicle’ that Saturday night, thus creating a nickname that would vibrate around the world in the weeks, months and years ahead.

The three youngster’s, Dennis Viollet, Jackie Blanchflower and Duncan Edwards adapted well to the change of pace in the First Division fixture and in the case of the latter, the longer the game went on, the more he came into it. 

Duncan had fitted into the Manchester United first team with ease – and looked set to lead it on to future glory.