Michael Carrick addressed the ever-lasting impact of the Munich air disaster ahead of Manchester United’s memorial service, 68 years on from the crash.
Friday marks the 68th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which cost 23 lives, including eight Busby Babes.
Manchester United attempted to return home following a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade.
The Busby Babes reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1957 and 1958
Were the Busby Babes destined to go all the way in the European Cup before the Munich air disaster?
Tragically, the team plane crashed after attempting to take off in Munich shortly after being refuelled. It robbed English football of one of its great young teams one day after United secured their place in the European Cup semi-finals for a second consecutive year.
The players who died as a result of the crash include Rodger Byrne, Mark Jones, Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor, Eddie Colman, Liam Whelan, David Pegg, and Geoff Bent.
They will be forever remembered – along with others who lost their lives or sustained injuries on the icy runway.
Michael Carrick prepares to honour Munich disaster victims as Man Utd head coach
Michael Carrick opted to bring forward his press conference a day earlier, ahead of the game against Tottenham, to allow time for him to attend the annual commemoration of the tragedy on Friday.
The darkest day in United’s history is something Carrick is well aware of, having studied the club’s history during his time as a player at Old Trafford.
He spoke about how important Munich is in United’s history and how everyone takes extra responsibility whenever they represent the red shirt.
Carrick spoke about how important understanding the Munich air disaster was for Sir Alex Ferguson, so he’ll likely expect the same from the current United first team.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Carrick said: “It means a great deal. We were just saying how long it would take to love this place, it was quickly.
“As soon as you come you’re made aware and you can’t help but know and understand the history. It’s a responsibility to know what came before us and the behaviours and responsibilities we need to carry through.
“Munich is the biggest part of the history of this club, the tragedy itself and how the team and the football club bounced back. And the success which carried on.
“Sir Alex mentioned it when I came, it was important to him and us, it’s a way of life for the club. It’s important we carry it on, I was here for the 50th, 60th, we will see about the 70th.
“Being aware of it and around it, you really feel that emotion. Inside the stadium on Saturday we’ll feel it as well.”
How many of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13 titles were achieved without Man Utd being the OUTRIGHT top scoring team?
Can you name each of them?
Two memorial services for Munich air disaster
There will be two remembrance services held on Friday for the 68th anniversary of the Munich disaster.
The Old Trafford service from 14:45 until 15:15 will see fans gather under the Munich clock by the East Stand.
Readings and poems will be delivered by respected journalist and lifelong fan Andy Mitten, Manchester United Foundation participants and United legend Sammy McIlroy.
Meanwhile, in Munich, representatives from the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich.
Former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney has flown out to Munich for the remembrance service.
The service in Munich will start at 13:45.
Feel free to leave your tributes to the Busby Babes and the lives lost in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster
If you were old enough to see the 1958 team, please share your memories / Younger readers, let us know what the team means to you…
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
