Sunday marks the anniversary of the fatal crash in which 23 people lost their lives on 6th February 1958.
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Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has opened up about the significance of remembering the Munich Air Disaster 64 years after it occurred. Sunday marks the anniversary of the fatal crash in which 23 people lost their lives on 6th February 1958. Notably, a memorial service, organised by fans’ group Munich58, took place under the Munich plaque at Old Trafford from Sunday afternoon. It is done to remember all those who perished that day in 1958, which also includes eight United players and three officials.
Speaking about that day, Maguire, as quoted by the club’s website, said: “It’s a really important day every year when it’s the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, which was a huge tragedy. But it’s a tragedy from which the club has built a lot of its tradition and foundations, and it shows its togetherness with the fans when the anniversary comes around. The club, in general, has shown a huge togetherness over the years, in rising again and showing spirit.”
Maguire also spoke about the importance of every United player, donning the red jersey to learn about the club’s history and understand the legacy of the crash. He added: “It’s so important to find out about the history of the club, because that’s a lot of what the tradition is built on.”
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“It’s definitely important that anyone who signs for the club finds out about our history. That’s a big part of it [signing for United]. When you join the club you learn about what happened [at Munich], and the story behind it all. Because obviously it’s such a big, important day in the history of this club.
“This club has so much history, but that in particular is such an important day. For us as a club to build together and to build in that spirit.”
On the back of that disaster, the Premier League club were faced with the task of rebuilding the squad. Speaking about it, Maguire stated that the spirit and togetherness Sir Matt Busby built after the crash is something that should be instilled into every player who joins the club.
“I think it’s a huge tradition of the club: what Sir Matt Busby did and the way that he built the club up through togetherness and spirit, especially after Munich,” he said.
“I think it’s something that needs to be instilled into you when you come to this club.”
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