Throughout the 1990s, only a dozen or so people would gather on the Old Trafford forecourt each February 6 to mark the anniversary of the Munich Air disaster.
The same faces would attend most years and stand in silence for a couple of minutes, in respect for those who lost their lives in 1958, before continuing on their way. The club would mark the anniversary before the game closest to the disaster.
But the numbers have increased vastly since. On a typical anniversary, now there will be between 500 and 1,500 fans who travel to Munich and the Manchesterplatz near the site of the crash. United send ex-players. There are speeches, and wreaths are laid.
Back at Old Trafford, the club organise an event usually attended by up to 3,000 fans.
The club captains, leading executives and staff all attend. Fans are invited to take refreshments after the ceremony and view memorabilia relating to the Busby Babes, the legendary young side led by manager Matt Busby, which was so devastated after their plane crashed after refuelling at the old Munich Riem airport en route home from a European Cup tie at Red Star Belgrade.
Mourning Munich is a much bigger deal now than it ever was.
Fans gather outside Old Trafford to pay tribute (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
There is criticism that it is all too mawkish, too social; a reflection of modern society. Billboards were even erected this year in Munich, reminding fans that the memorial is an alcohol-free zone after a couple of fans brought crates of beer last time round.
For the overwhelming majority attending all the ceremonies, though, it is a dignified occasion of remembrance. There are also organisations such as the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, which does so much good in keeping the memory alive and raising money to support good causes both in Manchester and Munich.
I was invited to give a speech at the Old Trafford commemoration this year.
A couple of thousand fans braved the rain and turned up on the Old Trafford forecourt, as did the captains of the men’s and women’s teams, Bruno Fernandes and Maya Le Tissier, and the respective sides’ managers, Michael Carrick and Marc Skinner.
Michael Carrick and Marc Skinner lay a wreath at the memorial service (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Also present were Carrick’s assistants, plus all the leading executives who are based at Old Trafford, as well as the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
There were junior players, including Klay Rooney — Wayne Rooney’s son — former players, including Sammy McIlroy, Denis Irwin, Lou Macari, Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans, Brian Kidd and Edwin van der Sar, along with family members of those who died. Salford Red Pete Martin sang the Flowers of Manchester lament.
The mood was sombre and respectful. These were the words I wrote and read to those present.
We’ve heard and read so much about the Munich Air Disaster over the years. Yet new stories still emerge.
Only last week, 94-year-old Martin Gordon emailed to tell me how his local priest, in rural Ireland, told him the news. He said that the plane carrying the Manchester United team home had crashed at Munich airport, adding: ‘There are fatalities.’
That young man became a priest himself. But not before Munich inspired him to set up a local football tournament, the Manchester United Memorial Cup, and buy a trophy.
People remember the tragedy in different ways. The key is that it is remembered since it’s such an important part of Manchester United’s history.
The Busby Babes who lost their lives in Munich (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
I was in Munich for the 60th anniversary. On a cold and bitter Tuesday, in suburban Bavaria, over 1,000 travelling Manchester United fans stood in silence around tiny, snow-lined Manchesterplatz. Distinguished German speakers told the crowd that those players would never be forgotten.
“Manchester United became a reference point in my life as a footballer and as chairman of Bayern Munich,” said former Bayern Munich player and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
As Rummenigge so movingly put it: “Manchester United are more than wins, defeats, titles and lost trophies. Manchester United represents unconditional devotion, great joy and deep mourning. To this day, I’m impressed by how the memory of those who were lost is passed on by fans.
“They provide a wonderful example of how to honour those who are no longer with us — by never forgetting them.”
The Munich Memorial Clock at Old Trafford (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
Bayern are fantastic when it comes to commemorating the disaster in their city. Real Madrid were top class after the disaster, also. Let’s not forget tiny Bishop Auckland, alongside the giants Red Star Belgrade, Manchester City, Liverpool.
For Rummenigge, who also raised a laugh by saying United were “lucky” in their 1999 Champions League win against Bayern, the city’s response to the disaster helped heal other wounds.
“We all know that relations between England and Germany were not at their best at the time of the crash, 13 years after the Second World War,” he said. “But I have the impression that in the darkest of days for Manchester United, the selfless support and sympathy offered by Munich, in particular the German doctors at the hospital, the residents and also FC Bayern Munich, made an important social and political contribution to restore those relations.”
I’d never thought of it like that, but he was right.
United fans make the walk to the crash site after Friday’s memorial service in Munich (Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Meeting residents on the 65th anniversary, like Michael Stapf, who lives on Manchesterplatz, is a reminder now more than ever of the care and attention they have for the significant memorial they have on their doorstep and the people who visit it. If you’ve not been: go.
When I used to come to Old Trafford on the anniversary in the 1990s, there were maybe a dozen people here — I could name most. People like Cliff Butler, a long-time servant of the club. Now look at the numbers. It’s wonderful that remembering Munich is a key part of United’s fan culture. That so many go to Munich every year.
And are welcomed as they do. It’s become a pilgrimage. I know a fan — Graham Larkin, aged 55 — whose funeral is today, just three miles to the west of here. Graham, a working-class Manchester lad who worked in Trafford Park in part because he could see Old Trafford, wanted to visit before he died.
There are loads of Reds in Munich right now. Singing, drinking a toast to the Babes. Remembering.
Former United player Alex Stepney attends the commemoration at the Manchesterplatz Memorial (Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Another fan, Chris Roberts, came up to me at Christmas in town. He said his father was John Roberts, the journalist who wrote ‘The Team that Wouldn’t Die’. John died last month. The greatest tribute to him is to read his book.
Manchester United’s history is shaped by tragedy and triumph. Although we have basked in the glory, we have not been afraid to remember.
Through triumph and adversity, we’ll keep the red flag flying high.