Duncan Edwards
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Duncan Edwards (October 1, 1936 - February 21, 1958) was an English footballer. Born in Dudley, England, he signed for United June 1952 (amateur), 1 October 1953 (professional). On April 4, 1953, he became the youngest footballer to play in the First Division on his debut versus Cardiff City. Aged 18 years and 183 days he became England's youngest post-war debutant against Scotland on 2 April, 1955, a record now held by Wayne Rooney. Edwards displayed his prodigious talent in 175 appearances for Manchester United F.C., scoring 21 goals and 18 for England with 5 goals. He was one of the Busby Babes, the young team formed under manager Sir Matt Busby in the mid 1950s, being one of the eight United players who perished tragically in the Munich air disaster.
He died in the Rechts der Isar hospital, Munich, Germany, 15 days after the crash after a fight for his life which amazed doctors. He was buried at Dudley Cemetery five days later, and his grave is visited regularly by football fans. He is buried with his sister Carol Anne, who died in 1947 at the age of 14 weeks.
He was born at a house in Malvern Crescent, on the then-new Holly Hall estate in Dudley, but spent most of his childhood living in Elm Road on the Priory Estate, also in Dudley. He attended Priory Primary School and Wolverhampton Street Secondary School, and was a key player in both teams.
External links
- Duncan Edwards website (http://www.duncan-edwards.co.uk)