United by 'a million memories'

Just before 1pm yesterday, George Best lost his long, valiant battle for life. As Alex Ferguson poignantly observed, he left a million memories behind.

Even in the last hours, Best showed the courage, determination and inner strength which characterised his football career.

When Best's consultant, Prof Roger Williams, said he expected to wake to news of the 59-year-old's death, he was not kidding. Yet he took Prof Williams to every one of the 24 hours he gave him to live on Thursday, and a few minutes more, before finally giving up his long, unequal struggle.

When the end finally came, the pain which appeared so acute in the harrowing pictures of him published last weekend had disappeared, with one observer describing Best as "serene" in his last moments.

His death set off a wave of emotion throughout the football world which will take some time to settle. At the centre of it all was his former club.

"Manchester United's glorious history has been created by people like George Best," reflected Bobby Charlton.

"Anyone that witnessed what George could do on the pitch wished they could so the same. He made an immense contribution to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play.

"It is a very sad day. Football has lost one of its greats, and I have lost a dear friend."

Together with Denis Law, Charlton made a dramatic dash down to the Cromwell Hospital on Thursday once it became known the decline in Best's health was irreversible.

One last time, the Charlton-Best-Law triumvirate which illuminated the English game during the Swinging '60s were reunited, with Law staying overnight so determined was he not to leave his old team-mate's side.

"I have lost a marvellous friend," said Law. "I have known him for 40 years and funnily enough we got closer after our playing careers had finished.

"His family used to come on holiday with our family and we all loved him to bits. He was a great guy who had his problems - but then, haven't we all.

"It was certainly pretty easy to play football with him and Bobby Charlton in your team, and I will remember him as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen."

The Premier League has already announced a minute's silence will be held at all this weekend's games, with United wearing black armbands during Sunday's encounter with West Ham at Upton Park.

In addition, United will hold a minute's silence prior to their League Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion next Wednesday and a book of condolence will be opened at Old Trafford this morning.

A large Manchester United deputation is anticipated at Best's funeral, which has already been scheduled for next Friday, with Ferguson expected to be among the congregation.

As United manager for the past 18 years, Ferguson has crossed paths with Best on numerous occasions and his praise of the man who won two league championships, a European Cup and the coveted European Footballer of the Year accolade before he reached his 26th birthday was both moving and heartfelt.

"He was such a special player, a phenomenal player, and I think I speak for everyone associated with Manchester United when I say he has left us with a million memories, all of them good ones," he said.

"Some people are just born with a craft and leave an indelible mark on people's lives. The thing I remember, apart from his talent, was his courage.

"I can see him flying down the wing, riding tackles from people like Ron Harris, Tommy Smith and Norman Hunter.

"They were serious guys - you didn't mess with them - and it was a time when you needed to be struck down by a tomahawk just to get booked - yet he rode all that.

"Every time he went down, he got up again and just said, 'Give me the ball'. That will stick in my mind forever."

"We're going to miss him very, very much," said former Manchester United goalkeeper and team-mate Alex Stepney. "I'm so, so sorry for all the family. He was a great pal of mine at United, a very unassuming lad, very kind and quiet and enjoyed company. He was an absolute genius."

Harry Gregg, Best's former team-mate at Old Trafford and for Northern Ireland, said: "The only person he hurt was himself. It is a sad, sad day but at least he is at rest now and that is a blessing in itself."

Although no firm plans have yet been put in place, it is almost certain a memorial service will take place at some point in the future for one of only three players in United's history - Charlton and Law were the others - crowned European Footballer of the Year.

"George Best was one of the greatest footballers of all time," read an official club statement.

"Naturally athletic, tough, confident and blessed with genius, his career was one of the brightest stars of its generation. His gifts were legendary.

"For the goals, the audacious dribbles and all the wonderful memories, Manchester United and its legions of fans worldwide will always be grateful.

"We feel a deep sense of loss but his spirit and his talent will live on forever."