Quick Read
- Manchester United commemorated the 68th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 2026.
- 23 people, including eight ‘Busby Babes’ players and three officials, died in the 1958 tragedy.
- Services were held at Old Trafford and Manchesterplatz in Munich, attended by thousands of fans, current players, and club legends.
- Interim manager Michael Carrick and midfielder Bruno Fernandes joined the Old Trafford memorial.
- Matchday tributes, including flags at half-mast and the ‘Flowers of Manchester’ lament, were held during the Premier League game against Tottenham on February 7.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Manchester United has led widespread commemorations across Manchester and Munich to mark the 68th anniversary of the devastating 1958 Munich Air Disaster, a tragedy that claimed 23 lives, including eight of the club’s beloved ‘Busby Babes’ and three officials. The annual remembrance, observed on February 6, 2026, and at the club’s closest home fixtures, saw thousands of fans, current players, club legends, and officials gather to pay tribute to those lost, underscoring the disaster’s enduring impact on the club’s identity.
On February 6, a solemn remembrance service was held at Old Trafford, attracting up to 3,000 fans. Reverend John Boyers led the service, which included a roll of honour, readings, and poems from journalist Andy Mitten, Manchester United Foundation participants, and Academy team representatives. Club legend Sammy McIlroy also participated, with senior club officials in attendance to lay wreaths under the iconic Munich clock in the East Stand. Current interim manager Michael Carrick and midfielder Bruno Fernandes were also present, as reported by *The Daily Mail*, alongside Carrick’s assistants and leading club executives.
Widespread Tributes Mark Munich Air Disaster Anniversary
The commemorations extended beyond Old Trafford, with hundreds of fans and club representatives traveling to Manchesterplatz in Munich, the site of the crash, for a separate service. This gathering, attended by former players like Denis Irwin, Lou Macari, Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans, Brian Kidd, and Edwin van der Sar, featured speeches and wreath-laying, maintaining a tradition that has grown significantly over the decades. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, former Bayern Munich player and chairman, eloquently encapsulated the sentiment, stating that Manchester United represents “unconditional devotion, great joy and deep mourning.”
The tragedy, which occurred on February 6, 1958, saw the plane carrying the Manchester United team crash after refuelling at Munich-Riem Airport while returning from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade. Among the 23 fatalities were eight players – Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, and Billy Whelan – along with club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry, and coach Bert Whalley. The event profoundly shaped Manchester United’s history, forging a narrative of resilience and enduring memory.
Growing Remembrance at Old Trafford and Manchesterplatz
The scale of remembrance has notably expanded since the 1990s, when only a few dozen people would gather. Now, thousands attend the various ceremonies, reflecting a deepening connection to the club’s heritage among successive generations of supporters. The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation plays a crucial role in keeping the memory alive and supporting charitable causes in both Manchester and Munich, as noted by *The Athletic*. The involvement of junior players, such as Klay Rooney (son of Wayne Rooney), and family members of the victims, signifies the intergenerational continuity of this tribute.
Further tributes were integrated into Manchester United’s Premier League home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on February 7. Match-going supporters were invited to a special memorial service at 10:30 GMT under the Munich clock. Flags at Old Trafford flew at half-mast, a wreath was laid by the team, and families of the Busby Babes were present for the game. Fans were encouraged to be in their seats early for the playing of the ‘Flowers of Manchester’ lament 15 minutes before kick-off. The ‘We’ll Never Die’ surfer banner was unfurled across the Lower Stretford End, and a commemorative drop-down banner was displayed in Tier 2 of the Stretford End during the player walkout, creating a poignant atmosphere. The women’s team also honored the anniversary on February 1, with players wearing black armbands and a wreath-laying ceremony ahead of their game against Liverpool.
Manchester United’s Enduring Legacy
The consistent and growing turnout at these annual events highlights how deeply the Munich Air Disaster is woven into the fabric of Manchester United. It remains a powerful symbol of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between the club and its global fanbase. The club’s commitment to these detailed commemorations ensures that the ‘Busby Babes’ and all those who perished are never forgotten, serving as a testament to their lasting legacy and the values they represented.
The sustained and expanding nature of these annual commemorations, particularly 68 years after the event, demonstrates that the Munich Air Disaster transcends a mere historical footnote, remaining a vibrant, central element of Manchester United’s identity and a profound source of shared community for its supporters.