In Wayne Barton’s words, his work is a call to preserve, challenge, and deepen fans’ connection with Manchester United—a club whose legacy is one of resilience, pride, and an unyielding commitment to the game.
Few names command the respect of Manchester United. For decades, the club has symbolized success, legacy, and the magic of “The United Way.” At the heart of this lies Sir Matt Busby’s pioneering philosophy, which transcended generations to find its fiercest advocate in Sir Alex Ferguson.
Yet, today’s fans question what remains of this DNA—the essence that once drove United’s unparalleled feats.
Courtesy Amazon UK
Enter Wayne Barton, the pre-eminent chronicler of all things Manchester United. With over 20 books dedicated to the club, Barton has documented Manchester United’s journey, unlike others. His new book Football, Taught By Matt Busby, is perhaps his most important work yet and offers a deep dive into the club’s philosophy, style, and spirit. Drawing on rare interviews, decades of research, and conversations with over a hundred players, coaches, and officials, Barton has crafted a seminal reference that captures the DNA of United football—a legacy we hold close but rarely see so intricately pieced together.
I sincerely believe in The Gospel of Manchester United, and it’s a privilege to delve into this sacred text with Wayne Barton. Reflecting on his journey, Barton revealed a pivotal influence—his grandfather. “I was drawn to writing because my grandfather had a deep love for the newspaper, and I was the only one he’d let read it with him,” Barton recalls. “From an early age, I dreamed of being the one whose words he’d be reading.”
Though becoming an author felt like an “unrealistic dream,” Barton drew encouragement from his mother, who inspired him to dream big through her achievements in raising two boys, and his late father-in-law’s philosophy of valuing experiences over material things inspired him. “Since he passed, I’ve always tried to live by that,” Barton shared. Barton weighed admiration against expertise when asked about his all-time favorite footballer. Although he has great reverence for George Best, whom he considers an icon of Manchester United, Barton chose Eric Cantona as his favorite and said, “I did see Eric play live, and he was as transformative as he was brilliant. As the best player in my favorite United side, it has to be him.”
Wayne then traced the roots of Manchester United’s unique identity from its beginnings in Newton Heath to the modern era, highlighting the enduring cornerstones that define the club’s DNA. In his view, three pillars have stood the test since the Busby era: the drive to win trophies, the commitment to entertaining football, and the emphasis on nurturing youth.
“Do we have to embody all three at once?” Barton echoes. “Maybe not, but some blend of these elements seems to strike the perfect balance.”
Wayne Barton (photo courtesy X)
While these principles are now synonymous with the club, Barton explains that some aspects of United’s identity predate Sir Matt Busby. “The earliest qualities that can be seen in today’s team go back to its style of play,” he notes. United was among the pioneering ‘scientific’ teams influenced by the Scottish emphasis on passing versus the English preference for direct, physical play. This blend gave rise to a playing style that captivated fans each Saturday—meant to entertain the local crowd, yet distinctly United.
The evolution of this style was organic; United’s approach has never needed the reinventions seen at Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, or Manchester City. “The first truly great United side,” Barton adds, “featured the country’s most glamorous player and played in England’s grandest stadium. That sense of grandeur has always set United apart.”
Barton also points to an ever-present controversy woven into the club’s foundation. “United nearly went bankrupt, actually went bankrupt, was renamed, and even saw players embroiled in a betting scandal—all before the First World War!” In Barton’s view, this mix of ambition, style, resilience, and controversy makes United more than a football club—it is a cultural institution with a character that has weathered the trials of history and emerged with its identity intact.
In a long conversation with TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka, Wayne Barton offered an in-depth look into Sir Matt Busby’s lasting influence on Manchester United’s iconic playing style—“The United Way.” That philosophy, Barton explains, has roots in Scottish football, heavily emphasizing creativity, expression, and entertainment alongside the value of hard work.
“Busby believed that football was a game meant to entertain,” Barton says. “He embraced expression and creativity on the pitch and quickly recognized the power of developing young talent.” One of Busby’s innovations was retraining attacking players to take on defensive roles, creating a team that could be potent in any position. His approach enabled United to be dynamic and versatile, which remains integral to the club’s identity.
The Hungarian influence on United’s style, particularly from legendary coach Jimmy Hogan, also left a significant mark. Jimmy Murphy, Busby’s right-hand man, adopted Hogan’s teachings for United’s youth teams long before Hungary’s national team stunned England at Wembley. This philosophy emphasized a hard-working, multi-dimensional approach with constant players and ball movement—qualities that made United teams dynamic and unpredictable.
Matt Busby (photo courtesy BBC)
Barton believes United’s style peaked under managers aligned with Busby’s values. “Tommy Docherty and Ron Atkinson, both Hogan disciples, built some of the most attractive United teams,” he says, adding that Sir Alex Ferguson also saw himself as Busby’s successor, modernizing the same principles. The 1995-1999 and 2007-2009 teams best captured the Busby Babes’ spirit, and today, United’s youth teams still uphold this legacy.
Barton shares that Ferguson sought guidance from Busby and Murphy when he first joined, discussing Ferguson’s influence and understanding how to honor United’s legacy without burdening his players. Ferguson used Jimmy Murphy’s resilience after Munich as motivation, balancing the club’s history with his leadership. In Barton’s view, Busby and Ferguson are pillars of Manchester United’s identity, embodying “The United Way” in his era and reinforcing the values that define the club today.
Wayne Barton observes that players like George Best, Wayne Rooney, Duncan Edwards, and Bobby Charlton embody Manchester United’s core values. “These players share an inherent commitment to hard work—not only for themselves but for the team—taking on any role required and leading by example,” Barton notes. “Their determination shows their approach to the game and resilience during tough times.”
He also highlights their balanced style, combining flair with simplicity, making intelligent decisions that benefit the team, even under pressure. “Ability is a given,” Barton adds, “but what truly sets these players apart is their capacity for the unexpected—a unique flair that feels distinctly United.” Together, these traits capture the essence of a United player.
Wayne Barton asserts that while Manchester United’s identity may sometimes feel diluted, the club’s core values—established by Sir Matt Busby and strengthened by Sir Alex Ferguson—remain firmly rooted, particularly in the youth academy. “The academy still prioritizes hard work and humility, though a dash of confidence never hurts,” Barton says. “It’s steeped in history, producing players who immediately resonate with the fans.”
According to Barton, this legacy is Busby’s gift, one Ferguson carefully restored. “With so many staff tied to United’s history, it’s hard to imagine the academy straying as it did briefly in the mid-80s,” he adds. Barton also notes that while each manager brings a unique approach, their strategies are inevitably measured against the “United Way.” “Football offers no guarantees, but the need for new managers to respect this legacy shows that Busby and Ferguson’s influence still defines the club.”
One thing I love about Barton is his challenging, no-nonsense insights that cut straight to the heart of the club’s identity. When Barton committed to documenting the roots of Manchester United, he didn’t hold back. He returned to the beginning to unearth and connect United’s DNA with its tactical and philosophical evolution. “I went right back to day one,” Barton says, acknowledging the vastness of the task. “It was a challenge, but each story I uncovered had to connect with the club’s core values.” Even on the book’s cover, fans are treated to a rare, previously unseen photo of Sir Matt Busby. And that’s just a taste—there’s much more within.
For Barton, this book isn’t just a history; it’s a tribute to the fans. “I want United supporters to read it and feel a bond, to see their understanding of the club’s values come alive. So be it if it sparks debate about what makes this club tick. That’s how United’s identity evolves,” Barton asserts. He hopes it’s accurate and true to United’s spirit—and even more, it stands as a reference. He wants it to inspire fans of other clubs to do the same for their teams, stating bluntly, “Books like this don’t exist.”
With over a hundred interviews, Barton has a treasure trove of stories. “The first of these interviews was with Harry Gregg, who described United as the ‘Hollywood of Football.’ That phrase alone became a spark for this book,” Barton reveals. Through his research, Barton was able to trace a stronger connection between Jimmy Hogan, Jimmy Murphy, Tommy Docherty, and Ron Atkinson—familiar names to United fans but whose influence is now drawn in a clearer line. “Laying it all out linearly is bound to turn some heads,” he adds.
United’s fans and players understand one thing: trophies matter, but so does entertainment.
Barton’s take on this balance is sharp. “United have to win—that was Busby’s standard. But that’s not all. Every manager post-Ferguson was judged not only on trophies but on the football’s quality,” Barton says. He sees the firing of Van Gaal, Mourinho, and Ten Hag as proof that a lackluster style of play, regardless of silverware, will never cut it at Old Trafford. For United, it’s about trophies, progress, and bringing excitement to the game.
Barton doesn’t mince words when asked about advice for sports writers hoping to capture a club’s soul. “Read everything—books, match reports, opposition papers, programs—anything on the club or the era. Interview people connected to the club, from players to fans who’ve seen it all.” His message is straightforward: “There’s no substitute for knowledge. Absorb it all.” Barton’s depth of knowledge, commitment to detail, and respect for history is a standard to aspire to for any writer looking to understand what makes a club genuinely legendary.
In Wayne Barton’s words, his work is a call to preserve, challenge, and deepen fans’ connection with Manchester United—a club whose legacy is one of resilience, pride, and an unyielding commitment to the game.
