Mata hails spirit of the Babes
JUAN MATA has paid tribute to the Busy Babes on today’s 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
Manchester United greats, including Sir Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg – survivors of the crash which claimed the lives of eight of their team-mates – will attend a ceremony at Old Trafford.
Midfielder Mata said the legacy of the Babes would always live on at the club.
“The victims will never be forgotten, they will always be remembered and will be a part of United’s history forever,” he said.
“The passion, determination and courage shown by the club to carry on in those horrible moments have left an indelible mark forever.
“The ‘Flowers of Manchester’ will always be with us.”
Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will speak at today’s ceremony, while Jose Mourinho and his firstteam players, as well as the under-23 squad, will pay their respects.
Mata praised United and Huddersfield supporters for the way they conducted themselves ahead of kick off on Saturday when Old Trafford paid tribute to the victims of the disaster.
“The minute’s silence before our game was simply spectacular,” he said. “It’s because of this kind of thing that this club is so special.”
A total of 23 people died in 1958 when a plane with United players and staff on board crashed while making a third take-off attempt in thick snow. Manager Matt Busby was among those injured.
The aircraft had stopped to refuel on the way back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade.