bent_geoff
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Name: Geoffrey "Geoff" Bent |
Nationality: England |
Position: full-back |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 08/1948. Signed Professional: 05/1949 |
Birthdate: 27-09-1932 |
Years at Club: 1954-1958 |
Age: (92) |
Debut: 11/12/1954 v Burnley (A) 4-2 (League Division One) |
Birthplace: Salford, England |
Previous clubs: |
Height: 5' 11" (1.80m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Died of injuries sustained in Munich Air Crash, 06/02/1958 |
Weight: 11st 4lbs (71.67kg) |
Passed Away: 06/02/1958 |
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Geoff Bent was a loyal and reliable defender for Manchester United, serving as a versatile full-back who could play on both the left and right sides of defense. While Bent’s career at United was often overshadowed by the presence of first-choice full-backs like Roger Byrne, his dedication, professionalism, and ability to step in when needed made him an important squad player for the club.
Bent joined Manchester United’s youth system as a teenager and progressed through the ranks to make his first-team debut in 1954. Although his opportunities were limited due to the presence of Roger Byrne, the club captain and first-choice left-back, Bent was a dependable player whenever called upon. His versatility allowed him to cover both full-back positions, making him a valuable asset to Sir Matt Busby’s team during United’s successful period in the 1950s.
While Bent never fully established himself as a regular starter, he was an integral part of the Busby Babes, the talented young team that dominated English football in the mid-1950s. He provided reliable cover during United’s First Division title wins in 1956 and 1957, helping the team secure domestic success.
Tragically, Geoff Bent’s life and career were cut short in the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958, when he was just 25 years old. Bent had traveled with the team to provide cover for Roger Byrne, who had been recovering from an injury. Bent was one of the 23 people who lost their lives in the crash, which devastated Manchester United and the football world.
Bent could play as both a left-back and right-back, providing flexibility in defense for Manchester United, although not a regular starter, Bent was known for his reliability and professionalism whenever called upon by the team.
While Geoff Bent’s career was relatively short, his contribution to Manchester United’s success during the 1950s was significant. He was a dedicated squad player who embodied the spirit of the Busby Babes, always ready to step in and play his part for the team. His life was tragically cut short in the Munich Air Disaster, but his commitment to the club and his memory remain a lasting part of Manchester United’s history.
Geoff Bent was a versatile and reliable full-back for Manchester United, known for his professionalism and ability to cover both defensive flanks. Although often in the shadow of first-choice players like Roger Byrne, Bent’s dedication to the team and willingness to step in when needed made him a valuable member of Sir Matt Busby’s squad. His life and career were tragically cut short in the Munich Air Disaster, but his legacy as part of the Busby Babes and his contributions to Manchester United during their successful 1950s era are fondly remembered by the club and its supporters. |
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League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
1 |
1954-1955 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1955-1956 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
1956-1957 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
TOTALS |
0 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
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