Manchester United legend Denis Law on 60th anniversary of Munich Air Disaster: There won’t be dry eye at Old Trafford
Scot was playing for Red Devils' opponents Huddersfield at time of tragedy in 1958, before joining four years later
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MANCHESTER UNITED legend Denis Law admits he is in for an emotional time at Old Trafford today.
The club and its fans will mark Tuesday’s 60th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster with a minute’s silence before kick-off against Huddersfield.
Law, 77, was still a Huddersfield player on that fateful day February 6, 1958.
But he joined United four years later and knows first-hand the catastrophic impact the tragedy had on the club... and still does.
He said: “I was at Huddersfield when the disaster happened and I was really shaken up by it because it was such a terrible accident.
“It’s fair to say that the players who lost their lives in Munich were our inspiration back in the 60s.
“But I still think their legacy, which is really powerful, is felt by anyone who pulls on a United shirt. For me, it was an honour and a privilege to join Manchester United and be there in the fightback after the crash.
“This match will be a really emotional occasion. It will be very upsetting just to think of those who lost their lives — it was so cruel and they will never, ever be forgotten.
“I can’t see there being a dry eye in the house when they’re remembered, which shows how much they still matter to the club.”
Seven is heaven for Sanchez
ALEXIS SANCHEZ can write himself into Old Trafford folklore in the club’s iconic No 7 shirt says Denis Law.
The Manchester United legend has seen George Best, Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo become the kings of the Theatre of Dreams with that number on their backs.
But Law knows for every great, there’s a Memphis Depay, Angel Di Maria or Keith Gillespie who have found the iconic jersey hangs too heavy.
Yet the Scot is convinced the Chilean forward (below) will live up to the expectations and prove to be a game-changer.
He said: “There’s been a lot of talk about his wages but he will prove to be a terrific signing.
“Sanchez will be following in the footsteps of some of the greatest players Old Trafford has ever seen in the No 7 shirt.
“I had the privilege of playing alongside George and then I saw Robbo, Cantona and Ronaldo do amazing things.
“Sanchez will know he’s got a hard act to follow. The No 7 jersey means a huge amount to the club because of its history and fans expect great things.
“But he’ll have known the significance of the shirt and size of the challenge when he signed.
“He’s grabbed that shirt which shows he’s a confident fella.
“So for me, there is no doubt about it — he will be a success at United.”
Law will watch Sanchez make his home debut today against Huddersfield.The Scotland legend, 77, added: “He’s a really skilful little player — just what United need.”
Law believes Sanchez’s presence will be bad news for his former club Huddersfield.
He said: “If they get anything it will be some achievement. But Huddersfield have a good manager and enough talent and fighting spirit to stay up.
“They’re in a battle but they’ll be all right as long as they avoid injuries. I certainly hope so. There will always be a place in my heart for Huddersfield.”
Matt Busby’s team — christened the Busby Babes — were returning from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade when their plane crashed as it took off in snow after refuelling at Munich Airport.
Boss Busby and a 20-year-old Bobby Charlton were among the survivors but 23 perished including eight United stars — Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam Whelan.
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Law added: “They were some of the best players in the world and they had so much to look forward to.
“Had the crash not happened, the team that Matt Busby had brought together would have won absolutely everything in sight.
“They had their lives cut short when they were in the prime of their lives and that made people across the world fall for United.
“It’s when you stop to think of them and remember that it really gets to you.”
Law, who scored 237 goals in 404 United games — putting him third in the club’s all-time list behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton — believes that Busby was key to the club’s revival after Munich. He said: “They were rebuilding the club and United were very lucky that there was a young guy coming through the ranks by the name of George Best.
“United were also lucky in the sense that people like Matt Busby and Bobby Charlton got out of the crash alive.
“Matt was the Scotland manager and he selected me, on Bill Shankly’s recommendation, not long after the crash so I got to know him.
“He was an absolute gem to play for. Matt wanted his teams to play attractive football, score plenty of goals and entertain the crowd.
“We were talking about an audience that was still recovering from World War Two and that’s why he wanted exciting football.
“It was people getting back to normal after terrible strife and then Sir Matt thought if we can put smiles on people’s faces we’ll do it.”
Law also played for Italian side Torino before joining United — ironically a club that had suffered its own air disaster which killed 31 people in 1949.
Law added: “When I joined Torino, I knew nothing about the club.
“It was a fantastic time. But they had also been hit by an air crash in the Alps and lost all their team.”
But it is United that Law is most closely associated with after a nine-year career at Old Trafford, winning two league titles and the European Cup in 1968 in Busby’s team that also included Charlton and Best.
He is now a United ambassador and is still as sprightly as ever . . . although not quite sprightly enough for a kickabout.
He said: “I’d like to think I’m still in fine fettle. I certainly hope so.
“I have had a few problems over the last couple of years. But I’ve got a new hip in now.
“But could I play five-a-side? I wish. I wish.”