Friday 6 February marks the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which cost 23 lives.
Manchester United attempted to return home following a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade. Tragically, the team plane crashed after attempting to take off in Munich shortly after being refuelled.
It robbed English football of one of its great young teams one day after United secured their place in the European Cup semi-finals for a second consecutive year. The players who died as a result of the crash include Rodger Byrne, Mark Jones, Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor, Eddie Colman, Liam Whelan, David Pegg, and Geoff Bent.
Manchester United has been holding a memorial day every year since the fatal crash. Michael Carrick brought forward his press conference a day earlier, ahead of the game against Tottenham, to allow time for him to attend the annual commemoration of the tragedy on Friday.
Friday 6 February marks the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which cost 23 lives. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Friday 6 February marks the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which cost 23 lives. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Carrick said: “It means a great deal. We were just saying how long it would take to love this place, it was quickly.
“As soon as you come you’re made aware and you can’t help but know and understand the history. It’s a responsibility to know what came before us and the behaviours and responsibilities we need to carry through.
“Munich is the biggest part of the history of this club, the tragedy itself and how the team and the football club bounced back. And the success which carried on.”
He added: “Sir Alex mentioned it when I came, it was important to him and us, it’s a way of life for the club. It’s important we carry it on, I was here for the 50th, 60th, we will see about the 70th.
“Being aware of it and around it, you really feel that emotion. Inside the stadium on Saturday we’ll feel it as well.”
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The Old Trafford service will begin from 14:45 until 15:15. It will see fans gather under the Munich clock by the East Stand.
Readings and poems will be delivered by respected journalist and lifelong fan Andy Mitten, Manchester United Foundation participants and United legend Sammy McIlroy. Meanwhile, in Munich, representatives from the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich.
Former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney has flown out to Munich for the remembrance service. It is expected that Carrick will attend. The service in Munich will start at 13:45.
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