United unveil special kit for derby!
February 8, 2008
The special retro kit to be worn by United for Sunday’s Manchester derby has been unveiled.
The strip, which has been specially designed without kit manufacturer or sponsorship logos, is based on the kit worn by the Busby Babes in the 1950s in recognition of this week’s 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
Also abandoned are modern squad numbers, with United’s 16-man squad set to don numbers 1 through 16 on Sunday after gaining special dispensation from the Premier League.
Chief executive David Gill said: “The sincere thanks of the Club go to AIG and Nike for their wholehearted backing for the kit change, and to the Premier League for allowing us to mark the event in a unique way.”
Like United, opponents Manchester City will don a retro strip, free of sponsorship, especially for Sunday’s match. A black ribbon motif, bearing the words ‘Manchester Remembers,’ has also been incorporated as a mark of respect.
Both teams will also observe a minute’s silence before kick-off, while every fan present will receive a special memento of the occasion.
United remembers…
February 6, 2008
The United family have gathered to pay their respects to the fallen Busby Babes 50 years after the tragedy which claimed their lives.
Half a century to the minute since BEA Flight 609 ZU crashed on take-off from Munich Airport, the club marked the anniversary of their passing with a memorial service at Old Trafford.
There was a solemn atmosphere inside the stadium’s Manchester Suite as survivors, football and civic dignitaries and invited guests arrived to pay their respects.
Outside on Sir Matt Busby Way, where a clock stopped at 3.04pm commemorates the events of February 6, 1958, thousands gathered to add their support and lay flowers.
Many wore modern day shirts with the legend Munich 58 emblazoned on the back, while others sported the late Duncan Edwards’ number six jersey.
The service was led by club chaplain the Reverend John Boyers and the order of service included a message from Prince Charles.
One of the early arrivals was former keeper Alex Stepney, a schoolboy of 15 at the time of the tragedy.
He said: “It’s a sad day, but also a day to remember.
“I am very humble, I was 15 at the time and I remember how shocked everyone was.
“Little did I think or dream then that I would play for the team when they won the European Cup in 1968.”
The tragedy happened as the United party returned to England from a 3-3 European Cup draw in Belgrade which had secured their passage to the semi-finals.
Eight United players died - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam “Billy” Whelan and, 15 days later, Duncan Edwards - as a result of the injuries they suffered in the crash.
Three members of the club’s staff, eight journalists - including the MEN’s Tom Jackson - two of the flight crew and two other passengers also died.
Busby and Charlton were among the injured, but eventually returned to spearhead a remarkable recovery which saw the club claim the league title and the European Cup within a decade.
Also See:
Factbox: Facts about the Munich Air Tragedy
Factbox: Facts about the Munich Air Tragedy
February 6, 2008
Fifty years ago the plane carrying Manchester United home from Belgrade crashed after a refuelling stop at Munich, killing 23 of the 44 people on board.
Eight United players died as a result of the accident, seven immediately and the eighth, Duncan Edwards, the jewel in the crown of the Busby Babes, 15 days later due to his injuries.
Here are some details on the tragedy and its aftermath:
* THE CRASH:
– On February 6, 1958, a British European Airways twin-propped Elizabethan plane carrying United’s players crashed on take-off after refuelling at Munich’s Riem airport.
Eight players died as well as three United club officials, eight journalists, two crew members and two other passengers, including the travel agent who arranged the trip.
– The aircraft had faced problems taking off and crashed in the slush and snow on a third attempt.
* THE TEAM:
– Nicknamed the Busby Babes after manager Matt Busby, United were champions of England in 1956 and 1957.
They had drawn 3-3 with Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia and qualified for the European Cup semi-finals in their last match before the disaster.
– United did not play again for 13 days until they met Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fifth round in front of almost 60,000 fans. Bill Foulkes led out a makeshift team that included fellow Munich survivor Harry Gregg in goal as United won 3-0.
– Busby, badly injured and twice given the last rites, recovered and went on to rebuild the team. In 1968 United became the first English club to win the European Cup. They also won the FA Cup five years after the crash and the league title in 1965 and 1967.
– Forward Bobby Charlton, who survived the crash, went on to become arguably England’s most famous footballer and was later knighted. Two of the survivors, Johnny Berry and Jackie Blanchflower, never played again.
* THE TRAGEDY:
– The eight players who died were England’s Roger Byrne, 28, the left-back and captain; Eddie Colman, 21; England centre-forward Tommy Taylor, 25; Mark Jones, 24; David Pegg, 22; Ireland’s Billy Whelan, 22; Geoff Bent, 25; and England’s half-back Duncan Edwards, 21.
– The tragedy that wiped out the cream of a generation caused a transformation in the national consciousness — people who had no interest in soccer began following the fortunes of United and neutrals willed them to win.
Source: Reuters
United Beaten 3-2 In Sami Al-Jaber Testimonial
January 23, 2008
Al-Hilal 3-2 Manchester United
Al-Hilal came from 2-1 down to seal a win over a strong Manchester United side at the packed King Fahd Stadium…
Sami Al-Jaber managed a penalty goal in his testimonial match against a reasonably recognisable Manchester United lineup in Riyadh.
While some fans questioned the wisdom of a mid-season journey to Saudi Arabia, Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to take his side out of the English limelight - and straight into its Saudi equivalent.
The King Fahd stadium was packed for this encounter, with 35-year-old Saudi international legend Al-Jaber the main focus of attention.
The home fans left delighted with an Al-Hilal victory, but it came after two spot-kicks (one scored) that might, in a competitive game, have been dismissed.
Still, there was nothing illegitimate about the first goal, which saw Yasser Al-Qahtani finish from close range after a deflection off Rio Ferdinand.
United gained near-instant reply when Carlos Tevez netted six minutes later, capitalising on some energetic countering from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo himself then grabbed a goal when he nodded home from Nani’s corner.
Kaka bags FIFA World Player award, Ronaldo 3rd
December 17, 2007
AC Milan’s Brazilian playmaker Kaka added to his remarkable haul of trophies and titles on Monday when he was named FIFA World Player 2007. Kaka, 25, beat fellow nominees Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the annual poll of national team coaches and captains.
Kaka polled 1,047 votes, Messi 504 and Ronaldo 426.
“Tonight is really special for me,” said Kaka who helped Milan to their seventh European Cup title in May and was inspirational in Sunday’s Club World Cup victory over Argentina’s Boca Juniors.
“When I was young, I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and playing just one game for the national team. That was it, but the Bible says God gives us more than we ask more and that is what has happened in my life.” Read more
