My Manchester United Years

Bobby Charlton epitomises the best of English football. He was given a much deserved knighthood for his considerable services to both club and country and one of only two Englishmen to lift both the World and European cups. His autobiography has been split into his Manchester United years and his England years, neither book strays much into the territory of the other and here we share his United years. I attended a sports dinner a few years ago where he spoke, the audience being mainly businessmen all suited up and serious. I have to say that Sir Bobby is not a great orator, but the audience sat drinking in every word from a real life football legend. The second he finished and the considerable applause had stopped, there was a flood of people desperate for his autograph, I'm not ashamed to say I was one of them. So obviously I was going to enjoy this half of his autobiography. Sir Bobby gives us a strong sense of his football roots in the mining community and clearly understands that in those days football was the only sense of relief and entertainment for working class people. He was one of those people and appreciates how lucky he was that his talent with a ball give him a life in football. He is a quiet man who would obviously rather be out of the limelight and his modesty and dedication seep through every page of this book. He does tackle a number of difficult issues, his relationship with his mother and brother Jack, the Munich disaster and the politics and changes at Manchester United. He shares views and stories about a number of players and Managers and of course we see the history of Manchester United through his eyes over a period of about 50 years. Few have deserved to be described as a football legend as much as Sir Bobby Charlton.

This is one of the best footballing biographies I have read. Provides tremendous insight into the man and the game during his era. A very good read - probably best enjoyed by those who can recall seeing him play - perhaps best for the 45-60+ age group who can place these writings in context. Highly recommended.

for any football fan, but especially fans of the english game and united, this book is a must read. charlton is gripping in his prose, and the thoughtful, well-versed ambassador of united does not disappoint through the book. i bought it as a united fan wanting to know more about the clubs greatest ever player. i would reccomend it to anyone who wants to know about the life of a footballer in that time period. Gripping prose, an excellent story, and an easy flow make this an easy read. Buy the book. Read it. And then sit in anticipation of Charlton's next autobiography My England Years. I for one, can't wait.