Manchester United fans light up Old Trafford for George Best

Image: Fans remember George Best at Old Trafford

Manchester United fans paid tribute to George Best during Wednesday's Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford - 10 years to the day after the club legend died at the age of 59.

The former Northern Ireland international was most closely associated with the No 7 shirt during his career and fans illuminated their smartphones and held them high in the seventh minute of the match.

Supporters also hung a new banner in the stadium which read 'GEORGIE... SIMPLY THE BEST' and laid roses at the feet of Best's statue, which stands at Old Trafford alongside Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Image: Fans lit up Old Trafford with mobile phone torchlights in tribute to Best

The banner was placed above the J Stand, replicating the previous banner which was created for the first match at Old Trafford following Best's death in November 2005, a 3-1 victory over West Brom

Considered one of the most talented footballers of all time, Best played 470 times and scored 179 goals for United.

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One of those goals came during the famous 1968 European Cup final win over Benfica and Best also won two First Division titles at United, plus the 1968 Ballon d'Or.

Image: Best is considered by many to be United's greatest ever player

A hugely charismatic figure, Best left the club at the age of 27 and continued his football career at various clubs around the world for another 10 years.

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His sister Barbara McNarry told the United website: "During the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, George brought a shining light to so many people. 

Best brilliance

George Best was a high achiever, not a wasted talent, writes Adam Bate

"It's very humbling to know that this light has never gone out or even dimmed.

"Fans, not just at home, but in Manchester and many other places around the world, continue to honour his memory and support him in death as they did in life.

"George was an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent."

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