Roger Byrne

Roger Byrne

Byrne in May 1957
Personal information
Full name	Roger William Byrne
Date of birth	(1929-02-08)8 February 1929
Place of birth	Gorton, Manchester, Lancashire, England
Date of death	6 February 1958(1958-02-06) (aged 28)
Place of death	Munich, Bavaria, West Germany
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Playing position	Full back
Youth career
	Ryder Brow Boys Club
1949–1951	Manchester United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1951–1958	Manchester United	245	(17)
National team
1954–1957	England	33	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

Roger William Byrne (8 February 1929 – 6 February 1958) was an English footballer and captain of Manchester United. He died at the age of 28 in the Munich air disaster. He was one of the eight Manchester United players that lost their lives in the disaster, on 6 February 1958. He made 33 appearances for the England national team.

Byrne was born in February 1929 in the Gorton district of Manchester, the only child of William Henry Byrne (1894–1972) and Jessie Byrne (1899–1986). Before making his debut for the Manchester United first team, Byrne undertook National Service in the Royal Air Force.

Byrne was captain of Manchester United from the 1955–56 season onwards. He captained the side through the legendary Busby Babes era, playing as a left-sided full back of the traditional style. He had previously been fielded at wing half and outside left and it was a testament to his versatility that, despite being naturally right sided, he should have been a success in a variety of positions.

Byrne was never considered the most gifted of footballers. His tackling could be suspect and his aerial ability was described as no better than average, but his incredible work ethic and footballing intelligence allowed him to position himself and react to danger swiftly. Innovatively, he was also adept at making forward runs and joining attacks at a time when full-backs were expected only to stand back and defend. Perhaps his best asset was his ability to inspire players with his charismatic leadership. Even more than half a century after his death, he is still regarded as one of Manchester United's greatest captains. He earned league-winner's medals in 1952, 1956 and 1957, and was an FA Cup runner-up to Aston Villa in 1957.