Johnny Carey - Manchester United Legend

As a youth Johnny carey played for Irish side Home Farm before being snapped up by Dubliners St James' Gate at the start of the 1936-37 season. After a few weeks playing in the League of Ireland, the young Carey was spotted by Manchester United stalwart and scout Luis Rocca and was promptly signed for the modest sum of £250.

Although Manchester United were packed full of superstars during the era Johnny Carey, he was probably the most influential player in the team.

A year after signing for Manchester United the Irishman made his debut on 25 September 1937 in a 2-1 second Division defeat at the hands of Southampton in front of an Old Trafford of 22,729. He scored his first goal for the club in only his third game when The Reds felled Nottingham Forest 3-2 on 28 December 1937.

During his time at the club the player took on a number of postions. He started out as a brilliant right-back, established himself as a center-half, before anding his career as an accomplished wing-half. In fact it is reported that Johhny Carey played in every positions for Manchester United except winger, a bit of a latter day John O'Shea figure some might say. He once played a full game in goal, when before a First Division game on 18 February 1953 he replaced Jack Crompton, who was taken ill. The game finished 2-2, with Carey playing a blinder.

In a 17 year period at Manchester United Johnny Carey played 344 game for the club and had the distinction of having played international football for both Northern Ireland and Republic. Perhaps one of the greatest bits of recognition he gained on the international stage was when he captained The Rest of Europe in a 1947 match against Great Britain. And two years later was voted Football Writer's Footballer of the Year.

Johnny Carey spent most of his time at Manchester United as captain and skipered the team in lifting the F.A. Cup in 1948 and the League title in 1952-53.

After the League success of 1953 Carey retired from playing and started out as a coach at Blackburn Rovers, before being promoted to manager. After leaving his post with Lancastrians he went on to manage Everton, Leyton Orient, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers once more.