Sale resident and former Manchester United manager reunited with his team
Former Manchester United player and manager, Wilfred McGuinness, 86, a resident at Care UK’s Oakfield Croft in Sale, received a special visit from retired Manchester United and Manchester City players recently.
Former Manchester United player and manager Wilfred McGuinness © Care UK
Wilf was born in Manchester in 1937 and was signed for the Manchester United youth team in 1953. He quickly progressed through the ranks, famously becoming a ‘Busby Babe’ under Sir Matt Busby’s management. Aged 18, he made his debut for the club, playing his first match as a wing half. He went on to earn two caps for England, but after breaking his leg aged 22, his playing career was cut short.
Wilf then began coaching for Manchester United and in 1969, after Sir Matt Busby retired, he was appointed the manager of Manchester United. Aged only 31, he became the youngest manager of the club and he went on to lead Manchester United to three cup semi-finals.
In 1970, Wilf became the reserve team manager and at the end of the football season, he moved to Greece for four years and led Panachaiki through their first appearance in a European competition.
Wilf made the wish to spend an afternoon with some of Manchester’s iconic football players on the home’s Wishing Tree, a special initiative that enables residents to revisit old careers and hobbies. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or small.
Wilfred McGuinness being presented with his own Manchester United shirt. Former Manchester United defender Tony Whelan (left) © Care UK
Wanting to help celebrate Wilf’s impressive career, the team at Oakfield Croft quickly got to work organising a special reunion party, and invited Tony Whelan, former Manchester United defender, to give a speech and present Wilf with a personalised Manchester United shirt.
Steve Fleet, ex-Manchester City player and old friend and Fred Eyre, ex-Manchester City player and BBC commentator, also visited the home for the special occasion.
Wilf said: “What a surprise to see everyone, I loved it. All the hilarious stories that everyone spoke about, it brought back some amazing memories. Steve, Fred and Tony are great old friends and it was lovely to receive the shirt. What can I say, it was a great day Oakfield Croft organised for us!”
Fred also enjoyed the special afternoon, commenting: “I had the best day ever, reliving all the old memories and chatting to the old boy footballers.”
Former Manchester United player and nanager, Wilfred McGuinness with guests at his party at Oakfield Croft care home in Sale © Care UK
The team adorned the home with football banners and Wilf’s England caps and shirts and head chef, Paul Ogden, baked special football cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.
Daniel Cole, home manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “The team at Oakfield Croft made it their mission to surprise Wilf with a day he certainly won’t forget, and this special reunion did just that.
“Wilf is a football legend here in Manchester and so it was an honour to celebrate his fantastic career with some of Manchester United and Manchester City’s most iconic players. The reunion brought back so many fond memories for Wilf and he hasn’t stopped talking about it.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Tony Whelan, Steve Fleet and Fred Eyre, as well as the team here at Oakfield Croft who helped make Wilf’s wish come true!”
