A George Best shirt worn during his greatest ever season at Manchester United has sold for £13,300 – despite having a hole in it.
The football legend netted 32 goals in the 1967-68 campaign and was crowned European footballer of the year scooping the Ballon d’Or.
It has ’11’ on the back – actually the jersey number he wore most at United – more than his iconic ‘7’.
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It was described as being in “good condition” despite having a hole near the collar.
The jersey is just plain red with a white trim with no club badge on it.
The shirt was snapped up at a sportsman’s dinner in Manchester and remained in a private collection for decades.
It also comes with a certificate of authenticity and a pair of red shorts worn by Best in a training session in 1970/71.
Plus a signed match programme of the United vs West Ham game, on 18 September 1971.
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It is inscribed with ‘3’ denoting the hat-trick he scored in the game.
The lot also includes a 15 January 1972 match programme of the United v Southampton match.
And a 1 January 1974 match programme of United v Queens Park Rangers match.
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This was Best’s last match for the club.
Two tickets for the United v Benfica European Cup final that was held on May 29 1968 were part of the lot.
As was a 2002 Conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on George Best medal, as reported by What’s The Jam.
It was sold by Hyperion Auctions, based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
A spokesperson said: “This incredible lot includes the following items.
“A George Best 1967/68 Match Worn #11 Manchester United Home jersey.
“In the 1967/68 season Best was at his peak in Old Trafford during which he was voted as the Ballon d’Or winner in that year.
“The jersey is still in good condition for its age.
“This garment was originally obtained via a Sportsmen’s Dinner in the Greater Manchester area attended by MUFC squad members, and remained in a private collection for decades.
“The item will come in a lovely black gift box for future safe-keeping.”
Best died in 2005 aged just 59, after battling alcoholism.
He played for United 361 times scoring 137 goals between 1963 and 1974.
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