How United are marking the Munich anniversary
Saturday marks the 63rd anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. This year, given the ongoing restrictions, our remembrance activities to commemorate our darkest day will be a little different.
Due to the pandemic, we are unable to gather together for the traditional ceremony under the Munich memorial clock. However, we have safely pre-recorded a version of the service that will be broadcast on MUTV and across the club's digital media.
As ever, the special event is ‘for the fans, by the fans’. Munich58, who themselves are marking their own 20th anniversary this year, have again co-ordinated the service which will be led by Reverend John Boyers. You can download their event brochure, containing an order of service, here.
The first screening of the service will begin at 14:55 GMT on Saturday, and will consist of several prayers, poems and songs, including a rendition of The Flowers of Manchester. The names of those who lost their lives in the tragedy will be read out, prior to a minute’s silence at 15:04 GMT, which marks the time the fatal plane crash occurred 63 years ago.
As ever, the special event is ‘for the fans, by the fans’. Munich58, who themselves are marking their own 20th anniversary this year, have again co-ordinated the service which will be led by Reverend John Boyers. You can download their event brochure, containing an order of service, here.
The first screening of the service will begin at 14:55 GMT on Saturday, and will consist of several prayers, poems and songs, including a rendition of The Flowers of Manchester. The names of those who lost their lives in the tragedy will be read out, prior to a minute’s silence at 15:04 GMT, which marks the time the fatal plane crash occurred 63 years ago.
To ensure that the stadium remains COVID-secure, we kindly ask fans not to attend Old Trafford but to instead pay their respects at home by watching the service on MUTV, ManUtd.com, our Official App or Facebook page.
With the match against Everton falling on the anniversary itself, there will be a minute’s silence before the game, which kicks off at 20:00 GMT, with both captains laying wreaths in memory of those who died. Both teams will also wear black armbands.
The tragic events at Munich will be marked by our other teams this weekend. Manchester United Women will remember the anniversary in their game on Sunday against Reading, with wreaths laid by the captains and black armbands worn by the players. Academy players will also wear black armbands in their games at the weekend.
With the match against Everton falling on the anniversary itself, there will be a minute’s silence before the game, which kicks off at 20:00 GMT, with both captains laying wreaths in memory of those who died. Both teams will also wear black armbands.
The tragic events at Munich will be marked by our other teams this weekend. Manchester United Women will remember the anniversary in their game on Sunday against Reading, with wreaths laid by the captains and black armbands worn by the players. Academy players will also wear black armbands in their games at the weekend.
Within Old Trafford, flags supplied to us by the fan group Big Lily will be placed in the stands remembering the legends we lost. Flags will also fly at half-mast at the stadium as a gesture of respect. A giant banner will be positioned in the centre of the Stretford End proclaiming the powerful words, ‘We’ll never die’.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, who traditionally arrange a service in Munich, have also regretfully cancelled the ceremony. Instead, they will arrange for a wreath to be laid at the site on behalf of all United fans.
We will never forget.
You can learn more about the tragedy at manutd.com/munich.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, who traditionally arrange a service in Munich, have also regretfully cancelled the ceremony. Instead, they will arrange for a wreath to be laid at the site on behalf of all United fans.
We will never forget.
You can learn more about the tragedy at manutd.com/munich.