John Ludden GREAT MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL MATCHES (2) MANCHESTER UNITED V

1956. The Odeon cinema, Oxford Road. On Pathe News, for a few minutes the Madrilenos appeared as flashing, likemagical, white, figures, flitting around on the big screen. A fleeting glimpse of a footballing world that you inhabited, but could never dream to visit. The names up in lights, white knights. A sprinkling of gold dust like those of the great Hollywood movie stars. They moved as if to music, an invisible orchestra. Such grace and artistrydancing with the ball, a Spanish Flamenco, Ole! Opponents befuddled and bemused, the strutting Di Stefano, the bewildering Gento, the hitman Kopa. Then, they were gone. Not to be seen again until the next visit to the Odeon. Well, not in the early spring of 1957, for Real Madrid were coming to Manchester. Now, sit comfortably, for the main event is set to begin! | John Ludden GREAT MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL MATCHES (2) MANCHESTER UNITED V