Starmaker - Brian Hughes

When Jimmy Murphy arrived at Old Trafford in 1946 he was greeted by the ruins of what had once been one of the wonders of pre-war Manchester. The stadium was a bombed-out wreck while the players trained on a patch of dangerous gravel and the club reeled from the embarrassment of playing their 'home' games at Maine Road. By the time Murphy packed his bags and left Old Trafford for the last time, Manchester United were world-famous: they had been conquered by and then conquered Europe, raised the profile of English league football to a degree unimaginable before the war and touched the hearts of millions in the process. Alongside Matt Busby, the Welshman with an Irish name had made an English club the most famous name in the world. Matt Busby called Jimmy Murphy "my first signing and, my most important". Where Matt was the diplomatic frontman and manager, Jimmy was the firebrand who instilled the passion in Manchester United. It is true to say that United would not be the club they are today without Jimmy Murphy; his passion and determination made Busby's vision a reality. Nevertheless his is a tale untold -- the true story of his vital role in the birth of Manchester United is long overdue for examination and is vital to understanding the romance surrounding the club.