Past playersMatt Busby

The Scotsman began his playing career as an attacking forward but excelled with his technique and distribution when switched to a deeper-lying half-back position.

The Reds were suddenly admirers. An £8,000 fee was agreed with Manchester City for Busby's services in March 1936; the LFC board accepted the price to be high but considered the signing to be fundamental for the club's long-term future.

Busby - who struck a lasting friendship with Bob Paisley - settled into life on Merseyside seamlessly, quickly racking up almost 125 appearances for Liverpool during his three-and-a-half seasons - including an ever-present league campaign in 1938-39.

Contemporary press reports regularly lauded the quality and consistency of Busby's passing range and he was revered nationwide as one of the finest half-backs of his generation.

Aged 30 when the Second World War brought professional football to a standstill, his playing career was effectively over. His last Reds match was a 1-0 victory at home to Chelsea.

When conflict ended and the sport could resume, Busby was handed the chance to become assistant manager to Liverpool boss George Kay but rejected the offer and instead chose to become chief at Old Trafford.

He had already provided the club with an historic favour, however - Busby was the man who recommended Liverpool to enquire after another Scot: future Reds legend Billy Liddell.