Jimmy Murphy was a Welsh footballer and coach who played a vital role in Manchester United’s history. He served the club for 43 years as the assistant manager to Sir Matt Busby, a caretaker manager after the Munich air disaster, and a scout until he died in 1989. He was also a prolific discoverer of young talent and helped develop some of the club’s greatest players. On May 3, 2023, he was honored with a statue outside the Stretford End at Old Trafford, with many former players and fans attending the ceremony. Buy Manchester United tickets and visit the Theatre of Dreams to pay homage to a true United hero.
From Ton Pentre to Old Trafford: Murphy’s Playing Career
Murphy was born in Ton Pentre, Glamorgan, in 1910. He played football for various local teams and represented Wales in a schoolboy international match against England in Cardiff in 1924. Jimmy turned professional in 1928 when he joined West Bromwich Albion as a 17-year-old. He made his debut in 1930 and became a regular in the Albion side that won promotion to the First Division and the FA Cup in 1931. He played over 200 times for Albion, mainly as a wing half, and helped them reach another FA Cup final in 1935. He also won 15 caps for Wales between 1933 and 1938. He moved to Swindon Town in 1939, but his playing career was cut short by the outbreak of the Second World War.
The Busby-Murphy Partnership: A Vision for United’s Glory
During the war, Murphy served in the army in Italy, where he met Busby, who was also a soldier and a former footballer. They became friends and shared their ideas about football. Busby was impressed by Murphy’s knowledge and enthusiasm and invited him to join him at Manchester United in 1945 when he was appointed as the manager.
Murphy became Busby’s assistant manager, chief coach, youth team manager, and scout. He was Busby’s right-hand man, confidant, and friend. They had mutual respect and trust and a shared vision for United: to play attractive, attacking football and to develop young talent from within.
Busby gave Murphy a lot of freedom and responsibility and relied on his judgment and advice. Murphy was instrumental in creating the Busby Babes, the young and talented team that dominated English football in the 1950s. He also won six FA Youth Cups with United and was part of the 1968 European Cup triumph.
Busby described Murphy as “my first and greatest signing” who gave his players their football education at Old Trafford. Busby said: “Jimmy was a great coach, a great judge of players, a great motivator. He was loyal, honest, and dedicated. He was my right arm.”
The Munich Tragedy: Murphy’s Courage and Resilience
Murphy was not on the plane that crashed in Munich on February 6, 1958, killing eight United players and 15 others. He had missed the trip because he was on coaching duty with Wales, who had a World Cup qualification play-off against Israel on the same night as United’s match against Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia. Wales won the game and qualified for their first World Cup.
Murphy returned to Manchester to learn about the tragedy that devastated his club and friends. He took over as caretaker manager while Busby recovered from his injuries and rebuilt the team with courage and resilience. He used young players from the reserves and youth team, some grieving their mates. He also signed some new players to fill the gaps.
He led United to the FA Cup final in 1958, less than three months after Munich. They lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers, but it was a remarkable achievement given the circumstances. Murphy said: “It can be done, it will be done, I’ll make sure of it.”
The Master and the Apprentice: Murphy’s Relationship with Busby
Murphy met Busby during the Second World War when they both served in the army in Italy. They became friends and shared their ideas about football. Busby was impressed by Murphy’s knowledge and enthusiasm and invited him to join him at Manchester United in 1945 when he was appointed as the manager.
Murphy became Busby’s assistant manager, chief coach, youth team manager, and scout. He was Busby’s right-hand man, confidant, and friend. They had mutual respect and trust and a common vision for United: to play attractive, attacking football and to develop young talent from within.
Busby gave Murphy a lot of freedom and responsibility and relied on his judgment and advice. Murphy was instrumental in creating the Busby Babes, the young and talented team that dominated English football in the 1950s. He also helped Busby rebuild the team after the Munich air disaster and achieve their dream of winning the European Cup in 1968.
Busby described Murphy as “my first and greatest signing,” who gave his players their football education at Old Trafford. Busby said: “Jimmy was a great coach, a great judge of players, and a great motivator. He was loyal, honest, and dedicated. He was my right arm.”
Murphy’s achievements and challenges as Wales Manager
Murphy was appointed as the part-time manager of Wales in 1956 while still working as Busby’s assistant at United. He had the difficult task of managing both roles and often had to travel long distances between Manchester and Cardiff. He also needed more resources and support from the Welsh FA, who did not pay him a salary or provide him with a car.
Despite these challenges, Murphy led Wales to their first and only World Cup appearance in 1958 in Sweden. He had missed the plane crash in Munich because he was in charge of Wales’ play-off match against Israel on the same night as United’s game in Belgrade. Wales won the match, and they qualified for the World Cup for the first time.
At the World Cup, Wales reached the quarter-finals, where they faced Brazil, who had a young Pele in their team. Wales lost 1-0 to a scrambled goal from Pele but earned respect and admiration for their performance. Murphy said, “We have no reason to feel ashamed. We played football as it should be played.”
Murphy managed Wales until 1964, when he resigned after failing to qualify for the 1964 European Nations’ Cup. He won 27 of his 57 matches in charge and gave debuts to future stars such as John Charles, Cliff Jones, and Terry Medwin.
Murphy is regarded as one of the greatest managers in Wales’ history. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame of Wales in 2007. His successor Robert Page paid tribute to him: “He was an incredible man. He was a pioneer for Welsh football.
The Red Flag Flying High: Murphy’s Impact and Legacy on United’s Culture and Identity
Murphy had a lasting impact on United’s culture and identity. He instilled a winning spirit and a sense of pride in representing United. He taught his players to play with flair, passion, and courage. He also nurtured their character, discipline, and loyalty.
Murphy influenced future generations of United players and managers, especially Sir Alex Ferguson, who visited him at his home when he took over at Old Trafford in 1986. Ferguson said: “When you come out of that dressing room and represent Manchester United, you are taking some of Jimmy Murphy’s mindset. Planting the seed of what that man did, telling them what that man did, is the biggest thing you can tell a young player representing Manchester United.”
Murphy was honored with a building named after him at United’s training ground. There is a statue of him outside the Stretford End at Old Trafford, unveiled on May 3.
Murphy died in 1989, aged 79, after suffering a stroke. He was buried in his hometown of Ton Pentre, where a street is named after him. Jimmy Murphy was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
His statue at Old Trafford is a fitting tribute to his legacy and contribution to Manchester United. It is also a reminder of his values and principles that shaped the club’s identity and culture. As his son Jim Murphy Jr. said at the unveiling ceremony, “My dad loved this club. He loved the players, the staff, and the fans. He gave everything to this club. And this club gave everything back to him.”