Jimmy Murphy statue update
Manchester United is delighted to confirm that award-winning sculptor Alan Herriot has been commissioned to create a statue of Jimmy Murphy at Old Trafford.
Herriot, who is known as one of Scotland’s most successful figurative sculptors, was chosen following consultation with the Murphy family and a coalition of United supporters’ groups.
The Scottish sculptor is a life-long United fan and recently produced the impressive statue of club legend Denis Law in Aberdeen.
The club confirmed plans for a statue to honour Jimmy in May 2021 after a proposal from a fan coalition led by the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation.
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Jimmy played a crucial role in the club’s history as a coach and, later, assistant manager to Sir Matt Busby between 1946 and 1971.
The Welshman was integral in the development of the Busby Babes, including Sir Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards, and in the club’s recovery from the Munich Air Disaster. The club is proud to be acknowledging Jimmy’s huge contribution with this permanent tribute at Old Trafford.
The ambition is to unveil the statue towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign – a confirmed date will be announced in due course.
The statue will be situated outside the Stretford End, overlooking the area where Jimmy used to coach the Busby Babes on a training pitch made of ash cinders. It will add to existing statues of Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, and the 'United Trinity' of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law, outside Old Trafford.
As we move to the design and build phase, the club would like to place on record our thanks to the family of Jimmy Murphy and the coalition of United supporters’ groups who have helped develop this important project.
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