Memories of Manchester United’s visits to Buxton

Buxton Advertiser archive, 1972, the Manchester Utd XI arriving for a pre season friendly match at Buxton FC

As Buxton Football Club prepare to welcome a team of Manchester United Legends to the Silverlands, here’s a look back 40 years to when the Bucks hosted the Red Devils.

The Bucks, then under the management of Colin Whitaker, held a Manchester United XI team to a well-earned 0-0 draw in August 1972.

Watched by a crowd of over 1,700, including United manager Frank O’Farrell and assistant manager Malcolm Musgrove, the match proved to be a closely-fought affair.

In the run-up to the pre-season friendly, it was reported there was a “distinct possibility” that Irish star George Best would turn out for the match.

Buxton Advertiser archive, 1972, the Manchester Utd XI taking the field for a pre season friendly match at Buxton FC

When United met Buxton at the Silverlands the previous year they sent a strong team including seven players with a fair amount of First Division experience, Ian Ure being among them.

The Buxton Advertiser & Herald of Friday August 11, 1972, reported on the goalless draw of the Monday previous: “Buxton, if anything, just had the edge.

“Although the deadlock remained unbroken at the end, the substantial crowd - no doubt disappointed at not seeing a glimpse of George Best - were compensated by an entertaining game.”

Twelve months on, and Buxton’s Cheshire League-winning side took a break from their Northern Premier League campaign by going one better with a 2-0 home win over The Red Devils XI.

Both of Buxton’s goals came winger John Bradbury in the first-half, with the Advertiser reporting: “Although the young visitors played some attractive football they were held in check for most of the time.”

The United line-up on that occasion included a young apprentice by the name of Arthur Albiston, who will turn out for the Manchester United Legends team on Sunday June 16 at the Silverlands in a Father’s Day friendly against a Buxton XI.

• Turnstiles open at midday for the Legends game on June 16, with the match kicking-off at 2pm. Tickets, priced £12.50 or £35 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) are available from the Buxton branch of M Markovitz, Muzik and More, New Bodies Gym or from the club’s online shop.