Manchester United have paid tribute to one of the club's greatest-ever players, Dudley-born football legend Duncan Edwards, on what would have been his 90th birthday. The Premier League giants marked the occasion by remembering the former midfielder, whose remarkable career was tragically cut short following the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
Club tribute and Sir Matt Busby's praise
In a tribute shared by the club, a Manchester United spokesperson said: "Ninety years ago today, Duncan Edwards was born." The tribute continued: "Described as 'the most complete player I've ever seen' by Sir Matt Busby, Duncan's name remains eternal in our history."
Edwards is immortalised in Dudley Town centre with his statue in which he dons the England shirt. Despite his tragic passing at just 21-years-old, Duncan Edwards made 18 appearances for the three lions and scored five goals.
Early career and rise with the Busby Babes
Widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers of his generation, Edwards was born in Dudley on October 1, 1936. He joined Manchester United as a teenager and quickly became a key member of Busby's famed "Busby Babes", helping the club win two First Division titles.
Despite his young age, Edwards earned 18 caps for England and was praised for his strength, skill and maturity on the pitch. Many football historians believe he would have gone on to become one of the game's greatest players had his career not been tragically cut short.
Munich Air Disaster and lasting legacy
Edwards was seriously injured in the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958, when the aircraft carrying Manchester United's team, staff and journalists crashed in Germany. He died in hospital 15 days later at the age of just 21.
His legacy remains strong both at Manchester United and in his hometown of Dudley, where he is commemorated through memorials and tributes. Nearly seven decades after his death, Edwards continues to be remembered as one of English football's most iconic and gifted figures.