Manchester United Managers

Jimmy Murphy (February - August 1958)

Welsh international wing-half Jummy Murphy was with West Brom from 1928 to the outbreak of war. He served in Italy, where he met matt Busby and when Busby was offered the United manager's job in 1945, Murphy was his first 'signing'. He was initially emplyed as coach and, alsways Busby's right-hand man, he was officially appointed assistant manager in 1955. Shorly afterwards he became the Wales team manager and around this time was offered lucrative jobs in Brazil and with Italian giants, Juventus. A talented coach, Murphy guided the development of many fine players, but he regarded Duncan Edwards as the finest footballer he ever saw. When the United party flew to Belgrade in 1958, Murphy missed the trip because he was on international duty with the Welsh team for a World Cup qualifier at Cardiff. in the wake of the Munich tragedy, he tok charge of United and led them to the 1958 FA Cup Final. In August that year, Murphy made was for the return of Busby. He had been a monumental tower of strength in the months following the disaster. An avid reader and a pianist in the classical mould, Murphy resigned as assistant manager in 1971, although he continued to scout for the club he had served for over 25 years. He died on 14 November 1989.