Signing Info:
Signed Trainee: 08/1964. Signed Professional: 06/1966
Previous Clubs:
Debut:
12/08/1967 v Tottenham Hotspur (N) 3-3 (Charity Shield)
Farewell:
Transferred to Arsenal, 08/1974, £110,000
Passed Away:
Biography
Brian Kidd born 29 May 1949, in Collyhurst, Manchester is a former English professional footballer and highly respected coach, best known for his time as a forward with Manchester United and later as part of the club’s youth coaching setup that produced the famous Class of ’92. Kidd’s career spanned top-flight football, European competitions, and decades of influence on English football from the dugout.
Early Life and Youth Career
Born and raised in Collyhurst, Manchester, Brian Kidd was a local lad who grew up dreaming of playing for his boyhood club. His natural ability and determination saw him join the Manchester United youth system in the 1960s, where he developed under the influence of Sir Matt Busby during one of the most important eras in the club’s history.
Manchester United First Team Career
Kidd made his first-team debut for Manchester United in the Charity Shield on 12/08/1967 v Tottenham Hotspur during the 3-3 draw. He quickly established himself as a talented and versatile forward, capable of playing both as a striker and in deeper attacking roles.
His most famous moment would come in a United shirt in the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley, when, on his 19th birthday, he scored United’s third goal in the 4–1 victory over Benfica. This historic triumph made Manchester United the first English club to win the European Cup, and Kidd’s contribution etched his name permanently into the club’s folklore.
Over his time at Old Trafford, Kidd made 266 appearances, scoring 70 goals in all competitions. He was admired for his work rate, intelligent movement, and knack for scoring in important games.
Later Playing Career
After leaving Manchester United in 1974, Kidd enjoyed spells with several other clubs:
Arsenal (1974–1976) – continued his fine goalscoring record in North London.
Manchester City (1976–1979) – controversially moved across town, but remained popular for his professionalism.
Later spells with Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL, and Minnesota Strikers rounded out a well-travelled playing career.
Kidd also earned two caps for England between 1970 and 1974, scoring one international goal.
Coaching Career and Return to Manchester United
Following his retirement as a player, Kidd turned to coaching. His most influential work came during the late 1980s and 1990s when he returned to Manchester United as part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff.
As assistant manager and youth coach, Kidd was instrumental in the development of the Class of ’92, a golden generation of academy graduates that included Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and the Neville brothers. His coaching philosophy and commitment to youth development played a vital role in United’s dominance during the 1990s.
Kidd later managed Blackburn Rovers and worked in high-profile coaching roles at Leeds United, Manchester City, and the England national team. His tactical knowledge and ability to develop players earned him respect across the football world.
Legacy
Brian Kidd is remembered as both a European Cup-winning goalscorer and as a brilliant coach who shaped one of the most successful periods in Manchester United’s history. From scoring at Wembley in 1968 to helping bring through a new generation of club legends in the 1990s, Kidd’s contribution to English football has been immense.
