Sammy McIlroy is fondly known as ‘The Last Busby Babe’.
Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby had no hesitation snapping up the teenager on a professional deal at 17. And McIlroy repaid Busby – and five other United managers – with a string of stellar performances during a glittering 13-year career at Old Trafford.
“It’s a great honour for me to be Sir Matt’s last ever signing,” admitted McIlroy, who played 419 times for United and scored 71 goals. “Sir Matt was a magnificent man, very special. He wanted to meet my mum and dad when I signed for the club, and he knew everybody at United by their first names, even all the apprentices, groundsman and kit men. He was unbelievable.
