The Complete Footballer

Matt Busby

“We used to look at players in training to see if we might have to get them to concentrate more on something. We looked at Duncan, and gave up trying to spot flaws in his game.” 

"In fact – he was the most complete footballer I have ever seen.”

Jack O’Brien (Manchester United Scout)

Reporting to Manchester United Manager Matt Busby in 1948.

"Have today seen a remarkable 12-year-old schoolboy who merits very special watching from now on - his name is Duncan Edwards, of Dudley."

Tommy Docherty (Preston North End and Scotland) 

"I played for Scotland when Duncan Edwards made his debut for England as an 18 year old at Wembley Stadium in 1955. England won 7- 2 and Dennis Wilshaw of the Wolves scored 4 goals – but it was Duncan Edwards who was the star of the show. Duncan was the complete footballer and there is no doubt in my mind that he would have become the greatest player ever. Not just the best England, but the best in the world."

Bobby Charlton (Manchester United and England)

“I never thought I could be as good as Duncan Edwards. Never. He had every talent, he was the best short passer, he was the best long passer. He had terrific vision. His 60-70 yard passes with a heavy ball were pinpoint accurate. He had an enthusiasm for the game, he never stopped talking about it. He’d pick you up if you were losing. He was absolutely sensational – a truly fantastic player."

Stanley Matthews (Blackpool and England)

"You can play Duncan Edwards anywhere and he would slot into that position as if he’d been playing there season after season - when the going gets rough, Duncan is like a rock in a raging sea."

Wilf McGuinness (Manchester United) 

"Duncan Edwards was Roy Keane and Bryan Robson combined, but in a bigger body. He could play as an attacker, creator or defender and be the best player on the pitch… He was world class when United had the ball, and when the opposition has the ball he was our best defender." 

Jimmy Murphy (Manchester United Assistant Manager and Wales Manager)

Jimmy Murphy was Wales’ manager when they played England in Cardiff, in November 1957. 

Before the game Murphy stood in the centre of the Welsh dressing room, going through the strengths and weaknesses of each member of the England side in great detail.

He talked about ten players, but not Duncan Edwards, prompting Reg Davies, the Newcastle inside-forward, to put up his hand. “What about Edwards?”

Murphy replied: “Just keep out of his way son, there’s nothing I could say that could ever help us.”