Bryan Robson’s birthday: Manchester United’s Captain Marvel

This January 11^th was the birthday of one of Manchester United and England’s greatest ever players, Bryan Robson. Widely regarded as one of the best players of the eighties, Robbo’s legacy in British, and especially at Manchester United, is absolute.

There are some players that perhaps the younger generations are not familiar with but who have proven to have a monumental and key role in their club’s history. Such was the case of legendary midfielder Bryan Robson, who became one of the best players in Manchester United’s history. And his 64^th birthday is a great chance to celebrate his career.

Starting at West Brom in the late 70s, Bryan “Robbo” Robson quickly built a name for himself as one of the most promising midfielders of the former First Division. Robson was the complete midfielder: he could attack, he could tackle, he could defend, he could pass and was a born leader. Being so complete, it was obvious that big clubs were going to come knocking at his door. And that is exactly what happened in 1981 when Manchester United, coached by his former West Brom manager Ron Atkinson, paid a by-then record fee of 1.5 million pounds for his services, making him, at the time, the most expensive player in the league.

But Robson, who was nicknamed “Captain Marvel” when he took the armband at Old Trafford, never felt the weight of the price tag and became Manchester United’s best player of the decade, establishing a role of leadership that would prove to be monumental in the early 90s when Sir Alex Ferguson would begin his reign of success. Robson’s legacy is somewhat forgotten outside the United faithful because his peak years were during a time where the Red Devils were struggling and his brilliant performances didn’t translate into titles. But regardless of that, his quality was absolute and he was rewarded with two English Premier League titles in the 90s.

One of the key players to understand British football and we hope Bobby Robson had enjoyed a great birthday.