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| Name: Noel Eucharia Cornelius Cantwell |
| Birthdate:
28-02-1932 |
| Age:
93 |
| Birthplace:
Cork, Ireland |
| Height:
6' 0" (1.83m) |
| Weight:
13st 3lbs (83.91kg) |
| Years at Club:
1960-1967 |
| Signing Info:
Transferred from: West Ham United, 21/11/1960, £29,950 |
| Previous Clubs:
Western Rovers, Cork Athletic, West Ham United |
| Debut:
26/11/1960 v Cardiff City (A) 0-3 (League Division One) |
| Farewell:
Transferred to Coventry City, 10/1967, £ |
| Passed Away:
08/09/2005 |
Biography
Noel Cantwell was a distinguished Republic of Ireland international and former Manchester United captain, best known for his leadership, technical ability, and commanding presence at left-back. A key member of Sir Matt Busby’s side during the 1960s, Cantwell captained United to FA Cup glory in 1963, helping the club recover from the tragedy of Munich and transition into a new era of success.
Early Career at West Ham United
Before joining Manchester United, Cantwell made his name at West Ham United, where he played from 1952 to 1960. A versatile and forward-thinking full-back, he made 278 appearances for the Hammers and scored 11 goals. During his time at Upton Park, Cantwell also established himself as one of Ireland's most reliable defenders, captaining the national side.
Manchester United Career
In November 1960, Sir Matt Busby signed Cantwell for £29,500, then a British record fee for a full-back. He quickly became a cornerstone of the United defence, noted for his tactical intelligence, accurate passing, and cool temperament under pressure.
1963 FA Cup Triumph
Cantwell’s finest moment in a United shirt came when he captained the team to victory in the 1963 FA Cup Final, defeating Leicester City 3–1 at Wembley. This was Manchester United’s first major trophy since the Munich Air Disaster, marking the start of a new golden era under Busby.
Playing Style and Leadership
Standing tall with a calm authority, Noel Cantwell was known for his strong leadership, consistency, and technical proficiency. Unlike many full-backs of his era, Cantwell had the vision and confidence to carry the ball forward and initiate attacks from deep – a trait admired by teammates and fans alike.
He was often described as a "footballing full-back", combining defensive solidity with creative ability, and he also took penalties during his time at the club.
Later Career and Retirement
Cantwell left Manchester United in 1967 after making 146 appearances and scoring 8 goals. His final years at the club saw the rise of a new generation, including the likes of George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, who would go on to win the European Cup in 1968, a year after his departure.
International Career
Representing the Republic of Ireland, Noel Cantwell earned 36 international caps between 1953 and 1967, many of them as captain. He remains one of Ireland’s most respected defenders of the 20th century, known for his professionalism and commitment.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from playing, Cantwell moved into management. He managed:
Coventry City (1967–1972) – helping them achieve their then-highest ever First Division finish
Peterborough United (1972–1977, 1986–1988)
He also served as chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), representing players' interests off the pitch.
Legacy and Death
Noel Cantwell passed away on 8 September 2005 after a battle with cancer. He is remembered as one of Manchester United’s most dependable and dignified captains – a leader who bridged the difficult post-Munich years and helped restore the club's winning spirit.
Honours
With Manchester United:
FA Cup: 1962–63
FA Charity Shield: 1965 (shared)
Individual:
Republic of Ireland captain
Former PFA Chairman
One of the first high-profile Irishmen to captain Manchester United
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-cont Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1. |
1960-1961 |
0 |
24 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
27 |
| 2. |
1961-1962 |
2 |
17 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
19 |
| 3. |
1962-1963 |
1 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
30 |
| 4. |
1963-1964 |
0 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
35 |
| 5. |
1964-1965 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
| 6. |
1965-1966 |
2 |
23 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
29 |
| 7. |
1966-1967 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
| TOTALS |
6 |
123 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
14 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
146 |
Detailed Match & Performance Charts
All matches played
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