Remembering the Munich Air Disaster
Friday 6 February marks 68 years since the Munich Air Disaster, a fatal tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players and three officials.
On that day in 1958, we commenced the return journey home following a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade. In a tragic turn of events, the team plane crashed in Munich, shortly after being refuelled.
Remembered as the darkest day in our history, the Munich Air Disaster is deep rooted in our identity and heritage. Each year, thousands of fans attend memorial services at Old Trafford and Manchesterplatz, the site of the crash, to pay tribute to those who died and were injured.
Forever in our hearts, we once again invite supporters to pay their respects on Friday 6 February and at our men’s, women’s and Academy team fixtures closest to the anniversary.
Remembered as the darkest day in our history, the Munich Air Disaster is deep rooted in our identity and heritage. Each year, thousands of fans attend memorial services at Old Trafford and Manchesterplatz, the site of the crash, to pay tribute to those who died and were injured.
Forever in our hearts, we once again invite supporters to pay their respects on Friday 6 February and at our men’s, women’s and Academy team fixtures closest to the anniversary.
Munich | The Documentary Video
Munich | The Documentary
Documentary | The full story of a devastating and tragic event in United's history: the Munich Air Disaster...
6 FEBRUARY 2026
Old Trafford service
Next Friday, we will host a remembrance service at Old Trafford from 14:45 until 15:15 GMT. Supporters are invited to gather under the Munich clock (East Stand) by 14:40 for the service to start promptly at 14:45.
Reverend John Boyers will lead the service, followed by a roll of honour, readings and poems from journalist and supporter Andy Mitten, Manchester United Foundation participants, representatives from our Under-13 girls’ and boys' Academy teams and United legend, Sammy McIlroy. Senior club officials will also be in attendance to lay wreaths under the Munich clock.
After the service, supporters are welcome to head to the International Suite (Stretford End) to meet with friends and family, view memorabilia from 1958 and the Busby Babes (courtesy of the Manchester United Museum) and share stories over tea, coffee and refreshments.
Old Trafford service
Next Friday, we will host a remembrance service at Old Trafford from 14:45 until 15:15 GMT. Supporters are invited to gather under the Munich clock (East Stand) by 14:40 for the service to start promptly at 14:45.
Reverend John Boyers will lead the service, followed by a roll of honour, readings and poems from journalist and supporter Andy Mitten, Manchester United Foundation participants, representatives from our Under-13 girls’ and boys' Academy teams and United legend, Sammy McIlroy. Senior club officials will also be in attendance to lay wreaths under the Munich clock.
After the service, supporters are welcome to head to the International Suite (Stretford End) to meet with friends and family, view memorabilia from 1958 and the Busby Babes (courtesy of the Manchester United Museum) and share stories over tea, coffee and refreshments.
Munich service
Concurrent to the Old Trafford service, representatives from Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF), Manchester United’s director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh and former player Alex Stepney will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich.
They will be joined by travelling supporters, local residents, the Red Docs of Munich, MMMF and Manchester United Foundation participants and supporters’ clubs' representatives from around the world.
Wreaths will be laid at the site of the crash and there will be a two-minute silence.
This service will start at 13:45 local time and will be streamed live on MUTV for free.
Concurrent to the Old Trafford service, representatives from Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF), Manchester United’s director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh and former player Alex Stepney will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich.
They will be joined by travelling supporters, local residents, the Red Docs of Munich, MMMF and Manchester United Foundation participants and supporters’ clubs' representatives from around the world.
Wreaths will be laid at the site of the crash and there will be a two-minute silence.
This service will start at 13:45 local time and will be streamed live on MUTV for free.
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MATCH DAY TRIBUTES
United v Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford
Match-going supporters are invited to pay tribute to the Munich Air Disaster on Saturday 7 February at our Premier League home fixture against Spurs.
We invite ticket holders to attend a 30-minute matchday memorial service, which will take place at 10.30 under the Munich clock (East Stand). The service will feature a minute's silence, roll of honour, poems and readings with representation from our Academy teams and Manchester United Foundation.
Flags will fly at half-mast, the team will lay a wreath and the families of the Busby Babes will be in attendance for the game. Fans are kindly requested to be in their seats for the Flowers of Manchester which will play 15 minutes before kick-off.
With thanks to The Red Army, the We’ll Never Die surfer banner will be unfurled across the Lower Stretford End and a commemorative drop-down banner will be displayed across Tier 2 of the Stretford End for the player walkout moment.
United v Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford
Match-going supporters are invited to pay tribute to the Munich Air Disaster on Saturday 7 February at our Premier League home fixture against Spurs.
We invite ticket holders to attend a 30-minute matchday memorial service, which will take place at 10.30 under the Munich clock (East Stand). The service will feature a minute's silence, roll of honour, poems and readings with representation from our Academy teams and Manchester United Foundation.
Flags will fly at half-mast, the team will lay a wreath and the families of the Busby Babes will be in attendance for the game. Fans are kindly requested to be in their seats for the Flowers of Manchester which will play 15 minutes before kick-off.
With thanks to The Red Army, the We’ll Never Die surfer banner will be unfurled across the Lower Stretford End and a commemorative drop-down banner will be displayed across Tier 2 of the Stretford End for the player walkout moment.
Living Through Munich: The Fans' Stories
ArticleYoung supporters – and a junior United player – tells us their memories from the darkest month in United history.
United Women v Liverpool Women at Progress With Unity Stadium
As the closest home match to the anniversary, our women’s team will be honouring Munich on Sunday 1 February at the Progress With Unity Stadium ahead of their game against Liverpool.
All players will wear black armbands, the team will lay a wreath, and the North Stand will be adorned with Munich flags.
Supporters are advised to get seated early in the stadium for the Flowers of Manchester and a matchday tribute.
As the closest home match to the anniversary, our women’s team will be honouring Munich on Sunday 1 February at the Progress With Unity Stadium ahead of their game against Liverpool.
All players will wear black armbands, the team will lay a wreath, and the North Stand will be adorned with Munich flags.
Supporters are advised to get seated early in the stadium for the Flowers of Manchester and a matchday tribute.
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