Mitten had joined United in 1936 but only made his mark after the war in 1946. He starred in the 1948 FA Cup Final against Stanley Matthews' Blackpool. Wearing the number 11 shirt, he reputedly outshone the Blackpool winger. United won 4-2.
On the tour, Charlie Mitten was phoned by the president of Independiente Sante Fe Club from Colombia. The South American club had just signed Neil Franklin and George Mountford from Stoke City and the Colombian wanted more. The maximum wage was still in process in England, so £50 a week was 6 times more than he was used to. £10,000 was offered as a signing on fee.
The catch was that the Colombian DiMayor league that Sante Fe played in was not recognised by FIFA (who must be obeyed!) and therefore should Mitten sign up, he would be outlawed. The rewards were too obvious and he was shown his yearly salary, win bonus, house, chauffeur, maid etc.
When he told Matt Busby, the United manager, the Scot said "Good God, do they want a manager?"
Mitten was also meant to be with the England squad in the Brazil World Cup but he told the FA that his wife was expecting a baby and he dare not leave her. His first season in Colombia was successful with 25 goals and he played for a Colombian Select XI against the World Cup winners, Uruguay.
Mitten went back to England when Colombia eventually joined FIFA, so he had to go back to his original contracted club. He was then suspended by United and sold. At this point Mitten was offered a contract with Real Madrid, but he declined and missed joining one of the most successful club sides in history, starring along with Gento, Di Stefano and Rial.
Instead he joined Fulham in 1951-2 but they were soon relegated to Division 2 (old). He then played alongside Johnny Haynes until 1956 when he took on the managership of Mansfield Town and then Newcastle Utd until 1961 when the Toon were relegated and Mitten sacked.
In the north-west, he fluttered with Altrincham in the non-league as player-manager. He enjoyed a bet and had a job at the Manchester White City greyhound stadium.
Mitten played one international for England in a "friendly" against Scotland in 1946. He never represented his country officially.
CharlieMitten died on January 2nd 2002 aged 80.
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