Duncan Edwards (1 October 1936 – 21 February 1958) was an English footballer who played most of all as defensive midfielder for Manchester United FC and the England national team.

“Physically, he was enormous. He was strong and had a fantastic football brain. His ability was complete - right foot, left foot, long passing, short passing. He did everything instinctively”. (Bobby Charlton)

Part of the Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Matt Busby in the mid 1950s, Duncan resulted one of the eight players who died in Munich air disaster.

After signed for Manchester United as a teenager, Edwards and went on to become the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division. Afterwards he added another record becoming the youngest England player since the Second World War.

His career was too short but playing less than five years he helped United to win two Football League championships and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup. With Manchester United he played 177 matches with 21 goals in the different competitions.

Although he survived the crash of the team's aeroplane at Munich in February 1958, he died as a result of his injuries 15 days later.

Did you know?

- Edwards played 18 times for England scoring 5 goals between 1955 and 1957

- After the 1956/67 season he finished third in the Golden Ball list made by France Football

- When he made his international debut he became the youngest player to be capped for England in the 20th century at the age of 18 years and 183 days. This record stood for more than 40 years until Liverpool striker Michael Owen was capped in February 1998.

(S. Siviero)