United Heroes childrens book chapter about Sir Matt Busby

Busby showed bravery in everything he did. Not only did he trust these ‘Babes’, but he also made sure United were the first English side to compete in the European Cup, which later became the Champions League. 

In our first season, we lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals and that made Busby more determined to beat them the next year. Sadly, that chance would never come.

On 6 February 1958, while returning from a game against Red Star Belgrade, their plane crashed in Munich after a refuelling stop. A total of 23 people died, including eight players. 

Busby was badly injured. He was in hospital in Germany for nine weeks and on two occasions doctors and family prepared themselves for the worst.

However, he slowly recovered and after initially considering leaving football – heartbroken by the loss of so many friends – he was convinced to continue and honour those who had died.

It took time, but Busby slowly created his third great side. Building around Munich survivors Bill Foulkes and Charlton, more youngsters emerged from the youth system, while new signings like striker Denis Law came in.