#4 Sir Matt Busby
Sir Matt Busby stands out as a stalwart of English football from the mid-20th century. After his playing career was interrupted by the horrors of World War II, he took the job of Manchester United manager in 1945.
To rebuild a team from the ravages of war must be unbelievably challenging, but to do it as successfully as Busby did must be truly special. He quickly built a team that won three First Division titles and an FA Cup. Busby eventually buillt a young side famously known as the Busby babes when the Munich Air Disaster happened in 1958.
In spite of being injured himself and the deaths of many of his players, Busby helped the club recover from yet another tragedy. Before retiring in 1969, he gave the club another two league titles and the European Cup in 1968.
The Scotsman’s role in moulding United into a world-class team was tremendously significant and it is perhaps a matter of great shame that his plaque in the Director’s box at Old Trafford was removed. His contributions as manager were momentous not only for the club he led but all of English football.