Manchester United has unveiled plans to recognise its legendary
forward line which contained three European Footballers of the
Year: George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. The Club has
commissioned world famous sculptor Philip Jackson to create a
statue featuring the three United legends.
The bronze statue, which will be life-size-and-a-half and will take
around 18 months to complete, will allow fans and visitors to Old
Trafford to pay tribute to the achievements of one of the great
eras in the Clubs history. Philip Jackson was the artist who
created the statue of Sir Matt Busby situated at the East Stand of
Old Trafford.
The statue is the result of discussions which were accelerated by
the untimely death of George Best in November 2005 and forms part
of wider plans to allow the Club to recognise the many
extraordinary contributions of great figures in its past.
Announcing the plans, Chief Executive David Gill said: "The Club
has been looking at how to commemorate its great figures for some
time. Too often, we feel we have to wait until our heroes have
passed away to recognise their talent. So we are very excited that
this statue - by one of the worlds most renowned sculptors - will
honour the efforts not only of George Best, whose death came
tragically early in his life, but also two of the game's finest
forwards - Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.
"Manchester United is proud of its heritage and we believe that
this statue will be evidence of that. The fact that it will be on
Sir Matt Busby Way could not be more appropriate."
Philip Jackson said: "I was delighted to be commissioned to create
a statue capable of commemorating the Clubs achievements in one of
its most glorious eras. Having three European Footballers of the
Year in the same forward line is a cause for celebration and
represents the most iconic image of that time."