Manchester United are set to unveil the statue of Red Devils legend Jimmy Murphy on May 3 next year.
Opening day marks exactly 65 years since Murphy led United to the 1958 FA Cup final after the tragic Munich air disaster.
The statue of the icon that was central to the revival of the United team of yesteryear will be located behind the Stretford End (via The Daily Mail).
Alan Herriot, the artisan of the Denis Law statue in Aberdeen, is responsible for sculpting the work that captures the memory and likeness of the beloved Murphy.
Murphy’s sculpture will face what used to be a training ground made of cinder cinder where he used to train the legendary Busby Babes.
An unforgettable legacy
From 1946 to 1971 Murphy was assistant manager to Sir Matt Busby.
His tenure included the Munich air disaster, reconstruction, and the surreal European Cup trip.
On that fateful day in May 1958, United finished second to Bolton, losing 2-0, but triumph over tragedy is a story that will last forever.
Against all odds
Manchester United director of operations Collette Roche said: “Jimmy Murphy was one of the most important figures in the history of this great club.
“Not only was he head coach and then assistant to Sir Matt Busby for 25 years, but perhaps more importantly, he led us out of the darkest period in our history.”
“In those terrible days after the Munich tragedy, Jimmy was the man who held this club together and built a team that reached the FA Cup final.
“No matter the result, it was a remarkable achievement to be at Wembley, something that on February 6, 1958 seemed inconceivable.
“It is fitting that this wonderful statue is unveiled on May 3, the date of the final against Bolton Wanderers, and in Stretford End, overlooking the land where Jimmy used to train the Busby Babes.”
immense contribution
The Chairman of The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF), Pat Burns, who played an integral role in the sculpture, said:
“I know the Murphy family, who joined us on the trip to Scotland, were also very impressed with the progress.”
“It will be a special occasion on May 3 when we finally unveil the statue marking Jimmy’s extraordinary contribution to United at the most tragic moment in this club’s history.”
Jimmy Murphy was a talented footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion and Swindon Town. He also represented and managed Wales.
Murphy passed away in 1989 at the age of 79, but he will always be remembered for his immense contribution to United and the world of football.
