MANCHESTER UNITED’S stars past and present united to honour those who perished in the Munich air disaster.
The Red Devils fixture against Everton was only the fourth time the club have actually played on the anniversary of the tragedy that killed 23, including eight of the Busby Babes.
Harry Maguire carried a wreath onto the Old Trafford pitch ahead of Saturday’s game to honour those who perished in the Munich air disasterCredit: AP:Associated Press
Harry Maguire carried out a wreath as he led out the team on Saturday.
The stadium was adorned with a huge banner reading ‘We’ll Never Die’ across the Stretford End.
And a minute’s silence was held before the Old Trafford clash with fans gathering outside the ground to pay their respects.
United also organised a memorial service live on the club’s YouTube channel that aired through Saturday afternoon.
Gary Neville shared The Spinners’ tribute song ‘Flowers of Manchester’ while Rio Ferdinand wrote: “Always remembered. Never forgotten.”
United skipper Harry Maguire posted ‘We will remember them always’, while Jesse Lingard added: “Always remembered. Never forgotten.”
And traditional rivals including Arsenal and Liverpool both posted their respects as well.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had called on his players to put in an assured performance against Everton to best remember the tragedy.
It’s such an important part of the history of our club and we have spoken to the players who come into the club, who’ve not been here, and are part of this anniversary
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
The United boss said: “It’s only the fourth time the game is played on the actual anniversary.
“And it’s important we put on a fitting performance and hopefully we can honour them with the result.”
Solskjaer says new players are always educated about the disaster and the importance of the anniversary each year.
He added: “It’s such an important part of the history of our club and we have spoken to the players who come into the club, who’ve not been here, and are part of this anniversary.
“It’s a big day for everyone and has always been an emotional one.
“Hopefully we can put a team out that shows the Manchester United spirit.”
Old Trafford paid tribute to the 23 who died 63 years agoCredit: Reuters
The club was playing on the Munich disaster anniversary for only the fourth timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A minute’s silence was held before the 3-3 drawCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Edinson Cavani revealed he didn’t need to be educated about the historic event as he hailed the impact of wearing the United strip.
He said: “I’ve always known about the history of what happened.
“Today it’s my turn to be at this club, and to wear this shirt with pride, just as those players were also part of the club at that time.”
Fans gathered outside Old Trafford to pay their respectsCredit: Zenpix
United also held a virtual memorial as flowers were laid outside the groundCredit: Zenpix
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
