James Robson

PROFESSOR Georg Maurer gave Matt Busby only a 50-50 chance of survival when he saw the condition of the United manager after the disaster.

Busby had arrived at hospital with massive chest injuries, including a punctured lung and crushed ribs.

As well as numerous broken bones, his kidneys were also severely damaged.

Drifting in and out of consciousness, Maurer’s prognosis was understandably grim as Busby lay near death in an oxygen tent.

It is 38 years since the death of Maurer - but his efforts with Busby and the rest of the victims of the Munich tragedy have ensured his memory will live long in the hearts of United supporters everywhere.

The German medic’s actions in 1958 inexorably linked him with the club and the darkest period of its history.

The head surgeon at the Rechts der Isar hospital was pivotal in saving the life of Busby - and the work of he and his staff ensured the United side was not entirely wiped out by the crash.

But it was Maurer’s endeavours to save the boss that have secured his place as a true Old Trafford hero.

The United manager’s condition was so bad he was twice given the last rites - but Maurer simply refused to let him die.

Busby later said of the professor: “I will never forget the man who saved my life.

“He made the right decisions at the right time and pulled me through.”

Maurer was clearly profoundly touched by the young casualties who were rushed into his emergency room - and immediately endeared himself to the public of Manchester by vowing to return as many of the Babes as possible to England.

“They came to us as badly injured patients but, step by step, they became our friends,” he said at the time.

“We know what Manchester United means to England and, especially to Manchester.

“We will do all in our power to send back, as soon as possible, the brilliant lads who are so dear to your hearts.”

Some 44 people were on board at the time of the crash, with 21 killed, followed by two more later.

The quick-thinking of Maurer and his staff was pivotal in saving as many lives as they did.

Unprepared for such largescale casualties, side rooms at the hospital had to be turned into makeshift operating theatres, while professor Verna Theisinger assessed who were priority patients - including Busby. Such was the work of Maurer and his staff they quickly became known as the Angels of Munich for saving the lives of so many Babes.

Maurer’s son, Peter, was a medical student at Isar at the time.

“There was a feeling of total grief and horror, but also sheer disbelief that this world-famous team of young stars had crashed here,” he said.

“It was like a state of emergency there was a call for all hands on deck and we rushed down from college to help out.

“We didn’t get any sleep for 48 hours, and it felt in a way like the whole country was involved.”

Manchester showed its gratitude when Maurer led a party of 24 to England a month after the crash.

Lining the streets in their masses, the Manchester public showed their appreciation to the professor and his staff.

Busby further offered his thanks when they were all guests of honour at United’s game with West Brom during the visit.

There were few among the capacity 60,000 crowd at Old Trafford who didn’t shed a tear when a message from Busby, who was still fighting for a full recovery from his horrific injuries was played over the public address system.

He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking from my bed in the Isar hospital in Munich, where I have been for a month since the accident.

“You will be glad, I am sure, that the remaining players here and myself are now considered out of danger and this can be attributed to the wonderful treatment given to us by professor Maurer and his staff.”

The visitors from Munich were then led by United chairman Harold Hardman out through the players’ tunnel and onto the pitch to huge applause.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to them by Munich survivors Bill Foulkes, Harry Gregg and Bobby Charlton.

And the good will towards Maurer continued even after his death in 1980. Said Peter: “You could say the tragic events of February 1968 created some friendships for life.

“It was after he died that it really hit home to me how much of an impact the event had on his life.

“We began to receive letters of condolence from all over the UK many carrying special personal messages from which you could tell just how close he had become to these people who were strangers to me.”