Signing Info:
Signed Trainee: 05/1962. Signed Professional: 30/01/1964
Previous Clubs:
Debut:
28/12/1963 v Burnley (H) 5-1 (League Division One)
Farewell:
Transferred to Aston Villa, 17/01/1967, £20,000
Passed Away:
Biography
Willie Anderson, born on January 24, 1947, in Liverpool, England, is a former professional footballer and winger. He began his career with Manchester United, joining the club's youth system at the age of 15. Despite being a boyhood fan of Liverpool, Anderson chose Manchester United after impressing scouts while representing Lancashire schoolboys.
Anderson made his first-team debut for Manchester United at the age of 16 on December 28, 1963, in a 5-1 victory over Burnley. He became the first-ever substitute used by the club when he replaced George Best in the 1965 FA Charity Shield against Liverpool. However, with the emergence of Best, Anderson found first-team opportunities limited, making a total of eight appearances for the club.
On 17/01/1967, Anderson was transferred to Aston Villa for £20,000, where he became a regular starter, making 219 league appearances and scoring 36 goals over six years. He later played for Cardiff City, Portland Timbers in the North American Soccer League, and Wichita Wings in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
After retiring from professional football, Anderson settled in the United States, where he has been involved in coaching and youth development programs, contributing to the growth of soccer in the country.
