Signing Info:
Signed Trainee: 08/1936. Signed Professional: 01/1938
Previous Clubs:
Aston Villa (WW2), Cardiff City (WW2), Chelsea (WW2), Southampton (WW2), Tranmere Rovers (WW2), Wolverhampton Wanderers (WW2)
Debut:
31/08/1946 v Grimsby Town (H) 2-1 (League Division One)
Farewell:
Transferred to Santa Fe (Bogata), 06/1950, £
Passed Away:
02/01/2002
Biography
Charlie Mitten was a highly talented winger who played for Manchester United during the late 1940s and became famous for his attacking flair, skill on the ball, and ability to create scoring opportunities. Mitten's career was notable for his controversial move to Colombia in 1950, where he became known as the "Bogota Bandit" for defying football's established norms by joining the Independiente Santa Fe in a rebel league. Despite this, he remains a memorable figure in Manchester United's history for his contribution to the club in the post-World War II era.
Early Career and Rise at Manchester United
Born in Rangoon, Burma (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar) to British parents, Mitten's family returned to England, where he grew up and began playing football. He joined Manchester United as a teenager in the late 1930s, but his early career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. After the war, Mitten resumed his football career at Manchester United and quickly established himself as one of the best wingers in English football.
Career at Manchester United (1938-1950)
Mitten made his debut for Manchester United in 1938, but it was after the war, under the management of Sir Matt Busby, that Mitten truly flourished. Playing as a left winger, Mitten became known for his blistering pace, trickery on the ball, and ability to provide accurate crosses to the forwards. His dribbling and creativity made him a key player in United's attack during the late 1940s.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1948 FA Cup Victory: Mitten was a pivotal part of Manchester United's 1948 FA Cup-winning side. In the final, United defeated Blackpool 4-2, with Mitten providing a vital contribution on the left flank. His performance helped secure United's first major trophy under Sir Matt Busby, marking a turning point in the club's history.
League Success: Mitten's speed and crossing ability were crucial as Manchester United regularly challenged for the First Division title in the late 1940s. Although United finished as runners-up in 1947 and 1949, Mitten was consistently one of the standout performers.
The "Bogota Bandit" and Move to Colombia
In 1950, at the peak of his career, Mitten made a controversial decision that shocked the football world. Tempted by the lucrative wages offered by Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe, Mitten defied the Football League's regulations and joined a rebel league in Colombia, which was unaffiliated with FIFA. At the time, the Football League in England had a maximum wage limit, and Colombian clubs, operating outside of FIFA's control, were offering significant sums to attract top players from Europe and South America.
Mitten's move earned him the nickname “The Bogota Bandit,” as he became one of the first high-profile players to seek financial gain abroad at the expense of his career in England. His time in Colombia was short-lived, but the move made headlines and had a lasting impact on his reputation.
Return to England and Later Career
After a year in Colombia, Mitten returned to England in 1951 but faced restrictions from the Football League for his time abroad. He joined Fulham and played there for several seasons, though he never reached the same heights as he did at Manchester United.
Career in Management:
Following his playing career, Mitten transitioned into management, where he had stints managing Mansfield Town and Newcastle United. He achieved moderate success as a manager, particularly at Mansfield, but never fully replicated the success he had enjoyed as a player.
Playing Style: Fast, Skillful, and Creative
Mitten was known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and creativity on the ball. He had the ability to beat defenders with ease and deliver accurate crosses from the left wing. His quick feet and agility made him a constant threat to opposition defenses, while his intelligence and vision allowed him to create scoring chances for his teammates. Mitten's playing style was in line with the exciting, attacking football that Sir Matt Busby sought to implement at Manchester United.
Legacy
Charlie Mitten remains an enigmatic figure in Manchester United's history. His decision to move to Colombia earned him notoriety, but his on-field contributions during the late 1940s helped Manchester United achieve success in the FA Cup and become a competitive force in English football. Despite the controversy surrounding his move, Mitten is remembered for his talent as a winger and his role in United's early successes under Matt Busby.
Summary
Charlie Mitten was a talented and fast-paced winger who played for Manchester United from 1938 to 1950, contributing to the club's 1948 FA Cup victory. Known for his skill, pace, and creativity, Mitten became one of the standout players of his era. His controversial move to Colombia in 1950, where he was nicknamed the “Bogota Bandit,” made headlines, but he remains a key figure in United's history for his contributions during the post-war years. Charlie was born in Rangoon, Burma
