On this day: Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby announces retirement

"It's time to make way for a younger man, a tracksuited manager. United is no longer just a football club. It is an institution. I feel the demands are beyond one human being."

And with that, Matt Busby, arguably the most important man in Manchester United's history, had announced his intention to step down as manager.

The 59-year-old made that revelation 46 years ago today and some 24 years after he had taken on the Old Trafford post.

His stint had seen him take charge of three highly successful United sides, the first of which won the FA Cup in 1948.

A former Manchester City and Liverpool right-half, Busby guided the Red Devils to five First Division titles, two FA Cups and one European Cup.

Yet, his superlative honours list would have bulged even greater had it not been for the events in Munich in 1958, when a plane crash left his side, which had been dubbed the 'Busby Babes', decimated.

Twenty-three people, including eight United players, lost their lives as a result of the events on that icy runway. A team that had been tipped for greatness - both at home and abroad - was ripped apart.

It was Busby's finest achievement in the United dugout that he was able to rebuild the club from its lowest ebb, to the point that 10 years later, they became the first English club to win the European Cup.

Speaking about that night at Wembley, where United defeated Benfica 4-1 after extra time, Busby said: "This is the greatest night of my life, the fulfilment of my dearest wish to become the first English side to win the European Cup.

"I'm proud of the team, proud for Bobby Charlton and Billy Foulkes, who have travelled the long road with me for the last 11 years."

Busby did indeed vacate his managerial position at the end of the 1968-69 campaign, but now knighted, he briefly returned in 1970 to replace Wilf McGuinness, who had struggled to replace the Scot.

The job eventually went to Frank O'Farrell in June 1971, which saw Busby take up a role on the board, before being appointed club president in 1982.