This was something magical and a wave of euphoria and excitement engulfed United, and Best in particular.
At a time when Beatlemania was in full swing, the Northern Irishman encapsulated the same vibe, but in the sporting sphere.
“The crowd, who had laughed at the Beatle-cut hair of Best, groaned as United’s 19-year-old winger, the smallest man on the field, scored,” wrote the Daily Express.
“The British were devils and a Beatle called Best tore Benfica to pieces,” commented the Associated Press.
One Portuguese media dubbed George ‘the fifth Beatle’ and, when he was photographed wearing a sombrero upon returning to England, a star was definitely born and he was being described as one of the best players in the world.
