Sir Matt realised that Uniteds current team couldn't go on for ever and laid the foundations for a great youth policy, soon to become the most famous youth system in the world.

A network of scouts was setup all over the counrtry. Those picked were known as the Busby Babes. The best of the bunch were guided through the ranks by Jimmy Murphy. The first crop first played played their first games in the 1952-1953 season. Among the first crop were players destined to become legends: Duncan Edwards, Dennis Violet and Jackie Blanchflower. As well as the babes Sir Matt added to the team Tommy Taylor, a fine forward from Blackpool. Taylor was bought at the odd figure of �29,999, due to Busby not wanting him to be labeled the frist �30,000 player.

In the 1952-1953 season United finished eigth and the time had come to for the babes to become United regulars. In their first season(1953-1954) they finished fourth. The following season they finished sixth, through the whole season they had been drawing massive crowds as fans realised something special was about to happen. In 1956-1957 United were special and won the league by a remarkable 11 points from closest rivals Blackpool. The next season United went a little better by winning the league and also reaching the FA Cup final. They looked as if they were to become the first team since Aston Villa in 1897 to win the "double." United faced Villa in the final and lost 1-2. United lost goalkeeper Ray Woods after only six minutes, substitutes were not allowed so United played most of the match with just 10 men.

United became the English club to enter the European Cup after winning the League in 1956. In the preliminary round the beat Anderlect 12-0 over two legs. They then beat Borussia Dortmund and Athletico Bilbao to reach the semi-finals, against the mighty Real Madrid. Real Madrid went through 5-3 overall but United were able to try again the following season.

In the first tie they played Shamrock Rovers and won 9-2. United went onto beat Dukla Prauge of Czechoslovakia 3-1 and were drawn against Red Star Belgrade in the quarter finals. They won the first leg 2-1 at Old Trafford, Eddie Coleman and Bobby Charlton scored the goals.

On February 1st 1957 United played Arsenal at Highbury. United won the game at Highbury in Busby Babes style, the score was 5-4 . This match is remembered as one of the finest ever played and the last league game in which most of the Babes would play. For within seven days Manchester United would be destroyed.