Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has paid his respects in memory of the Busby Babes who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster.
Today marks the 65th anniversary of the tragedy that struck the club, and the Dutchman will be thinking of those who were taken away so young.
The eight players who tragically perished on that fateful night in 1958 were an integral part of the team that had flown to Belgrade to play in the club’s first European semi-final.
But as the takeoff failed, those who died on board, along with 15 other poor souls, were forever etched in the hearts and minds of fans.
And the legacy of our brilliant girls is such that today’s sheer magnitude has been recognized on manutd.com, by Ten Hag.
“I think it’s really important because it tells a legacy for Manchester United. It says something about, of course, the memory of people who walked away, who died too soon,” Ten Hag told United media.
The 53-year-old said attacking spirit and faith in youth are part of the legacy created by Sir Matt Busby and his team.
“That must be remembered every year but it was also a legacy for a commitment to attacking football. I think this is still in the club, the players are still coming here. [in] their careers, but we also continue to play with the approach of that time,” said the manager, who has United playing with a similar approach to the Babes.
“That’s something we have to keep remembering and it’s good that we do it again on Monday (today),” he continued, as the entire club paid their respects.
Sir Matt built his side on experience where necessary, but more than that, his upbringing and total faith in youth, was the real foundation for success.
And as the Babes are remembered today, Ten Hag has spoken about his own opinion of United’s youth system, in which he has already shown such confidence this season.
“For every football club, it should be a big deal, the Academy. You also have to set high standards about building players and give them the opportunity to have a great football career,” said the United manager.
“Not only that, but also, as a club, we have a responsibility to create personalities. It’s great that the legacy continues to be a great motivation and inspiration to deliver on that,” he concluded.
And as Reds young and old remember on this anniversary of that tragedy, the coaches’ words will bring comfort to fans, knowing that the history of the club, like the Babes, will never be forgotten.
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