The 6th of February 1958, a date etched into the memory of all Manchester United fans and football supporters around the world.
Today marks the 67th year since the fateful day that United suffered one of the biggest tragedies in football history.
A sparkling side of academy players and youngsters led by Sir Matt Busby had won the league in 1957 and reached the semi-finals of the European Cup.
The 1958 season was shaping up for similar success as United’s brave talents had just defeated the mighty Red Star Belgrade and were headed into the semi-final of Europe again.
Then disaster struck. “On that day in 1958, the darkest day in United’s history, 23 people – including eight players and three members of the club’s staff – suffered fatal injuries in the Munich Air Disaster.”
In treacherous weather, the aircraft carrying United’s young team stopped in Germany to refuel. The first two attempts to take off from Munich airport were aborted but following a third attempt, the plane crashed.
The eight players who lost their life were Geoff Bent (aged 25), Roger Byrne (28), Eddie Colman (21), Duncan Edwards (21), Mark Jones (24), David Pegg (22), Tommy Taylor (26) and Liam Whelan (22).
Three club officials were also killed and they were secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley.
Two of the club’s most legendary figures also almost perished, Sir Bobby Charlton and the manager Busby but both recovered and would lead the club to their first European Cup in 1968, ten years later.
The tragedy rocked the club and global football to its core but United showed incredible resilience to fight on and actually won the first leg of their semi-final against AC Milan 2-1 before being soundly beaten 4-0 in Italy.
Moreover, the valiant youngsters made their way to the FA Cup final, before losing to Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.
To mark the solemn occasion there will be dedicated remembrance services held both at Old Trafford and in Munich today.
“The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation will be leading the ceremony at Manchesterplatz, accompanied by director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh, and club ambassador, Andrew Cole. The service will start at 1.45pm GMT.”
At Old Trafford, the 67th anniversary service will take place from 14:45 GMT and supporters are invited to congregate under the Munich clock at 2.40pm.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
