The 1963-64 season sees United finish in 2nd position in the League and reach the FA Cup Semi-Final where they lose to West Ham.
Denis Law is in sparkling form in this season as he hits 30 League goals in 30 appearances.Bobby Charlton is an ever present player in the side,only missing two league games all season.This season sees the emergence of Nobby Stiles and the footballing genius George Best.
United go one better in the following season pipping Leeds United for the Championship on goal average due in part to the purchase of John Connelly from Burnley for £60,000.The League triumph means another European Cup Adventure.
The Old Trafford side easily account for HJK Helsinki (9-2) and ASK Vorwaerts.
United are now in the Quarter-Final against the might of Benfica.They win the first leg 3-2 at Old Trafford and proceed to demolish the Portugese giants 5-1 in the return leg in Portugal.However,that performance was forgotten when Red Star Belgrade knocked the Red Devils out of the competition 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
1967 sees new faces in the United line-up.
Bobby Noble (left-back),Johnny Aston (left-wing),David Sadlier and Alex Stepney the most effective newcomer.He was a £55,000 buy from Chelsea and his performances in goal for United was the reason for United's superb defensive record.The season saw United win the League Title again which meant' they would get another opportunity at winning the European Cup.
The European Adventure sees United beat Hibernian of Malta (4-0) in the opening round.FK Sarajevo and Polish Outfit Gornik Zabrze are the next victims of United as they advance to the semi-final where Real are the formidable opposition.
The first leg sees United beat Real 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a George Best strike.However,many people believed that lead would not be sufficient to see United advance to the next round.The prediction seemed to be spot on as at half time in the second leg saw Real coasting to a 3-1 lead.
However,the legendary Busby pep talk worked wonders as United advanced to the Final on the away goals rule courtesy of a late goal from Bill Foulkes.
United were just 90 minutes away from winning the European Cup and their opponents in the final would be Benfica.
