George Best at 80: Former team-mate McIlroy compares United legend to Messi
Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on 22 May, remains revered as one of football’s greatest ever players after a career defined by unparalleled genius.
The late Northern Irishman mesmerised audiences six decades ago, yet his profound impact on the game endures long after his final professional appearance.
For a younger generation unfamiliar with his brilliance, former United team-mate Sammy McIlroy believes there is an obvious modern equivalent.
“Lionel Messi is close to Best in the way he plays. He can dribble, beat people, score goals and make goals.”
Sammy McIlroy
Thriving amidst brutal conditions
While the legendary Argentine dominates on pristine modern surfaces, the Belfast-born winger flourished during a 1960s era of heavy pitches and unforgiving tackles.
McIlroy noted that notorious enforcers like Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and Ron Harris were utterly ruthless in their treatment of attackers.
However, the physical intimidation never deterred the majestic forward.
“It didn’t bother George. He used to take the rough stuff, get up and say, ‘come on then, let’s have some more’.”
Sammy McIlroy
A mentor for Northern Irish youth
Beyond his supernatural abilities on the pitch, the iconic number seven was also a devoted father figure to young trialists arriving from Belfast with dreams of playing in England.
McIlroy, who first watched his idol produce a legendary one-man show against Scotland at Windsor Park, experienced this off-field kindness firsthand upon joining the English giants as an apprentice in 1969.
The European Cup winner immediately approached McIlroy’s awestruck parents to reassure them he would look after their son.
“He was a natural lad, a lovely lad. George always had time for you, I really admired that.”
Sammy McIlroy
The complete footballer
Those who witnessed the winger in his prime remember a generational talent to whom every technical skill came entirely naturally.
Whether tackling, heading, or shooting with either foot, his execution was consistently flawless on the biggest stages.
This supreme finishing ability was perhaps best summarised by a famously audacious lob over legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings.
Surrounded by defenders in a crowded penalty area, the former Ballon d’Or winner instinctively calculated the perfect trajectory to find the back of the net, cementing his status as an immortal of the sport.