It has been exactly 50 years since George Best scored a double hat-trick to help Manchester United in defeating Northampton Town 8-2 in the FA Cup fifth round.

While a Reds player has scored three or more goals in a game on 224 different occasions, it nearly goes without saying that getting six is an extremely unusual occurrence. Harold Halse is the only other United player to accomplish the record in the 1911 FA Charity Shield.

George Best Scores Six

The accomplishment is even more amazing when you take into account that Best was coming back from a 28-day suspension.

I’ve been living in secret fear we’d lose this game, especially with me back!

For his first goal, Best had to wait 20 minutes. He headed in Brian Kidd’s right-handed long cross. Moments later, the legendary Irishman scored another goal on the County Ground’s boggy pitch.

The 23-year-old was well-positioned for Paddy Crerand’s lofted through pass, and he avoided Cobblers goalkeeper Kim Book (the brother of City’s Tony), who was closing in, to score.

A Textbook Header 

Shortly after the break, he converted from close range to complete his hat trick, his second in a red shirt, after two Northampton defenders had unsuccessfully attempted to clear their lines.

A textbook diving header from another spinning Kidd ball into the area resulted in the fourth goal. A goal which was possibly the best of the six. Not to mention that our future assistant manager, whose pass made that goal, contributed two strikes of his own!

The two last goals were typical Best. In order to convert another Crerand through pass, he displayed a turn of speed and elegance of touch. He then displayed swagger and poise by sitting Book and rolling the ball into the open goal.

George Best’s Brilliance Impresses Busby

Sir Matt Busby, who was in attendance and recovering from surgery, had no doubts about the brilliance on display from George Best that Saturday afternoon.

I would think George is a fraction of the way from being the best player in the world and I am only holding back from putting him on top to keep him on his mettle, enthused Sir Matt.

Dave Bowen, Busby’s replacement, was less than thrilled with the humiliating event.

You don’t make errors against the best and get away with it,” said the Northampton manager. “He’ll punish you and smile while he’s doing it.”

After two replays, the Reds would ultimately lose the Cup semifinal to Leeds United. Despite this, Best’s one-man, six-goal performance is still cherished by all who witnessed it.