Best's legendary status at Old Trafford means all United fans will be hoping the Ulsterman pulls through.

And the club issued a statement echoing those sentiments.

It read: "Everyone at Manchester United wishes George all the best in the operation and a speedy recovery."

Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey also sent his best wishes to the soccer legend andhis wife, Alex.

The Ulster Unionist minister said: "Our thoughts are with George and Alex and his family right now.

"I hope and pray the operation is a success and that we can once again see George in good health.

"I can tell you when I was in Manchester for the opening of the Commonwealth Games last week, there was tremendous interest in his well being. Everybody loves George."

Former United boss Tommy Docherty, who was boss at Old Trafford when Best walked away in 1974, said: "Obviously, I hope he recovers as quickly as possible and gets back to full health.

"He was the best player ever, and when you look at the cost of some of these tuppence ha'penny players nowadays, just imagine what he would have been worth. It makes you laugh."

United and England old boy Ray Wilkins, added: "I think everybody in football wishes George the best of luck.

"He's a very, very nice human being. I, probably like everybody else, hope he comes through this with flying colours."

Liverpool defender Tommy Smith, who later played with him in the United States, said he hoped the transplant would be successful and help Best exorcise his demons.

"I hope he's OK," he said. "He was a good player - I played with him in America and he was a good lad.

"The only problem with him was the drink, but maybe he's got over that now, and I certainly hope so.

"George was one of the best players in the world - a bloody nightmare to play against.

"Luckily, I don't think he ever got the better of us at Liverpool, but he was a great player, there's no question about that, and I wish him all the best."

Leeds and Scotland midfielder Peter Lorimer added: "I hope for the very best for him and just hope everything goes to plan.

"He's waited a long while, so let's hope it's a positive outcome.

"He was a amazing player. The saddest thing was that people didn't see the best of him because of the problems he had.

"He finished with football a bit earlier than normal, but the bit everybody saw, there's no question, was absolutely brilliant, and it's just a pity we didn't see at least another five years of him over here."