Remembering Manchester United’s Heroes- Who Were Matt Busby’s ‘Busby Babes’ & What Happened to Them on 6th February, 1958?

There is no doubt that the Munich air disaster that happened on 6th February 1958 created a big hole in the hearts of the soccer fans. The tragedy also completely changed the history of Manchester United. In particular, this incident impacted the Busby Babes the most. Let’s take a look in detail who were the Matt Busby’s Busby Babes.

The group together had created history on the field and were on the verge of creating more. However, unfortunately for these heroes, destiny had other plans in store.

The Heartbreaking Story of Busby Babes

In the late 1940s, a group of soccer players were brought in by ManU and were trained by Chief Scout Joe Anderson. All of the young players were managed by famous manager Matt Busby. This group of players won the league title for two continuous seasons – 1955-56 and 1956-57, with an average of 21 and 22 respectively. In the 1950’s they had already started making their names. Hence, Manchester Evening News journalist Tom Jackson gave them the name Busby Babes. This youthful group was on the route to win a third successive league trophy in the 1957-58 season.

However, an unfortunate tragedy struck them. While the team was returning to the UK on 6th February 1958, their plane in Munich crashed. The huge crash claimed the lives of the eight players of the famous group. Roger Byrne Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Liam Whelan, Tommy Taylor, David Pegg, and Geoff Bent lost their lives along with three staff members along with 12 other people.

One would expect Matt Busby who survived the crash to be disheartened and disconnect himself from the sport. However, it was the opposite of that, the group returned with the same ambition and determination.

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The Sport of Soccer stands with the brave even in difficult times

Several clubs including Liverpool helped the Red Devils team finish the 1957-58 season in the end. However, the challenge for Matt Busby who had recovered from the incident was to rebuild the team for the present and future. The former United legendary manager along with Sir Bobby Charlton did not change his thinking and brought in several youngsters from other clubs.

This United team with fresh faces resumed the glory work, their old teammates had kept for them. In the next five years, the Red Devils won two league titles and two FA Cups. They even won the European Cup which is now known as Champions League.

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There is no doubt that 6th February every year will be remembered as a dark day for the whole soccer world. However, what should be remembered is survivors’ determination to recover and win trophies for Manchester United.