Best, who has a long history of alcohol abuse, was told two years ago to stop drinking or die, and has fought a very public battle against his problems.

He recently returned from a holiday in Malta, where he stayed in a hotel just half-an-hour away from the airport in case he got the call for his transplant.

Despite his problems, one of British football’s most talented exponents ever remains a hugely popular figure in the game, and that was reflected as the well-wishers queued up to voice their support.

Former United boss Tommy Doherty, who was boss at Old Trafford when Best decided to walk 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."

A United spokeswoman said: "Everyone at Manchester United wishes him all the best and hope it goes well. We’re all thinking of him."

There were good wished too from some of the men against whom Best pitted his wits during his best days in a United shirt.

Liverpool hardman Tommy Smith, who later played with him in America, 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."

Belfast-born Best arrived in England as a precocious 15-year-old and turned professional in 1963, making his debut in October that year.

In those days, his place was far from guaranteed, but the outrageous talent of a player who was to take the first division by storm saw him installed as a regular as just 17 years of age.

The partnership he formed with Bobby Charlton and Denis Law proved the keystone of a United side which gradually soothed away some of the pain of the Munich air disaster of 1958 which had so cruelly ripped apart the Busby Babes.

He played a crucial role as United lifted the league title in 1964-65 and again two years later, but many will remember him for the crucial second goal he scored in United’s famous 4-1 extra-time victory over Portuguese giants Benfica at Wembley in 1968 which saw an English team lift the European Cup for the first time.

Best’s brilliance on the pitch was matched by his flamboyant lifestyle off it as he enjoyed a pop star status now the norm for top players - but then a novelty.

However, it was that indiscipline which was to prove his downfall as his enchantment with football, and ultimately his career, withered and died.

Stockport, Cork Celtics, Dunstable, Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Hibernian, San Jose Earthquakes, Bournemouth and Brisbane Lions all provided Best with employment at various points, with his focus by now lying elsewhere, the glittering career of a genius was on the wane.

Drinking became an increasing problem and a man who once graced the back pages of the newspapers started to appear on the front as his health suffered dramatically to the point where the danger signs were clear.

Two months ago, he was admitted to hospital in Cyprus suffering from a fever and a gastro-intestinal tract infection.

Although the cause was not thought to be directly related to alcohol, Dr Andreas Stylianides said at the time he was more prone to illness because of his history.

Best’s agent Phil Hughes confirmed he had been admitted to hospital today, telling the Evening Standard: "Yes, it’s on. George is in the hospital at the moment.

"He had just got back from holiday and had the call early this morning. I can’t comment further at the moment.

"All I can say is that he is in the very good hands of the top man in his field."