Manchester United legend

Chapter 56 Sir Busby ([-])
Busby insisted on leading Manchester United to participate in the European club competition. Manchester United should aim to be the best team in Europe, the best team in the world, not just the best team in England. This club deserves all the honors.

It was the 1950s, a time when few clubs looked beyond the league.This is especially true in England.Many teams, including the FA, think that the league is everything, and the league championship is everything, so they are dismissive of external exchanges and foreign campaigns.

In the era when the British teams were still standing still, Busby was very forward-looking and a real visionary.His positioning and leadership of Manchester United has demonstrated the value of a super leader.

In 1955, the European Champions Cup was born. This event was not initiated by national football associations, UEFA or FIFA. It had no official label at the beginning, and it was just a commercial cup.

Because it did not become the host at the beginning, the conservative FA boycotted it in every possible way, banning the champions of League One from participating. Chelsea, the 1955 League One champions, succumbed to the FA's power.

After Manchester United won the League One championship in 1956, Busby ignored the FA's ban and broke through the resistance to lead the Red Devils into Europe-even if he lost the chance of the FA Cup.

At that time, the FA even threatened to impose more severe penalties on Manchester United and deduct Manchester United's league points.

However, under the joint protest of Manchester United and the competition committee, Manchester United survived in the end.The result of Manchester United's tit-for-tat confrontation with the FA was that the FA made a fuss about Manchester United's league schedule in the following season, making it difficult for Manchester United to take care of both.

Busby's trip to Europe was legendary. Manchester United's first opponent in the European Cup was Belgian champion Anderlecht.

Because Old Trafford hadn't installed floodlights at the time, the night game was very affected, and Busby rented the floodlit Maine Road Stadium from Manchester City.

What's interesting is that the Manchester City club at the time was not optimistic about the European Champions Cup, thinking that the maximum audience would not exceed 3, and the condition was that the rent was 300 pounds, or 15% of the ticket revenue.

The subsequent results were unexpected. Manchester United won 10-0, and there were as many as 43000 Red Devils fans present to cheer. Apart from the rent, Manchester United won a big victory in both competition and economic fields.

"We earned back the floodlights at Old Trafford in one game," Busby said.

In the next round against former West German champion Borussia Dortmund, the Maine Road Stadium ushered in 75598 spectators for Manchester United. The final result of the game was that Manchester United won 3-2. The fans cheered for the confrontation between Manchester United and Dortmund.

Then Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao and continued to advance in the Champions League.

Manchester United's Champions League journey did not end until they lost to defending champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Although it failed to go further, Manchester United gained valuable experience in the European war and allowed more fans in continental Europe to know Manchester United.

The story that followed was the tragic "Munich Air Disaster".The plane rented by Manchester United crashed at the Munich Airport in Germany. Eight core Manchester United players were killed, including Edwards, Manchester United's most important striker at the time and England's superstar.

Busby was seriously injured and critically ill many times. He even finished his dying prayers twice, and he was only a hair away from death.But Busby miraculously recovered with incredible belief and insisted on returning to the club to coach.

Busby was not overwhelmed by death and difficulties. He decided to rebuild Manchester United. He wanted to infuse the undead Red Devils with the belief of winning and infinite fighting spirit.

After the Munich air crash, Manchester United could only scrape together what little money they had to pay pensions. They didn't even have the money to keep the club running. The staff and players gave up part of their salaries, and all donated money to help the club tide over the difficulties.

In the most difficult times, club staff and players even mobilized family members to come to the club to do voluntary work and handle daily affairs.Because the entire first team is almost gone, Manchester United can only put together players from the reserve team to continue the game.

However, even in the most difficult moments, Manchester United did not give in, and the team never thought of disbanding.

Although the team stopped in the Champions League and the FA Cup one after another, the players still worked hard to play wonderful football.

It has to be said that the disaster plunged Manchester United into the abyss, and it also caused Manchester United to undergo tremendous changes. The huge influence of the disaster made them change from a Manchester team to an all-England or even an all-British team.

Themes of catastrophe and struggle - let them go from ordinary to legendary.

Their encounter has won the attention and concern of more people, turning more people into "Red Devils" and becoming loyal fans of Manchester United.

Even throughout Europe, many fans expressed sympathy for Manchester United's experience and expressed support for Manchester United's reconstruction.

The Real Madrid club suggested that UEFA award the Champions League trophy to Manchester United, which was seconded by many clubs.

Manchester United lost most of their main players, and at one point also lost their once proud results, and were defeated by Milan in the Champions League.He failed to defend the title in the league and lost the FA Cup. However, no one cursed the Champions League for "murdering" Manchester United. On the contrary, this made more English fans look at European football from a different perspective. Otherwise, the lives of the Busby children would be meaningless.

At this time, European clubs are also showing generosity to Manchester United like the whole of England.

Previously, Real Madrid invited Busby to coach but was rejected. When Busby came to Madrid to seek assistance, Real Madrid chairman Bernabeu said: "After rejecting me, you are the only one who allows me to help with all my strength."

The disaster didn't make Busby give up football, but it made him have a new change.

In public places and in front of the media, his previous image of a tough and unyielding tough guy has been greatly changed. His eyes are often soft like a kind grandfather, and his previous evil spirit and arrogance have long since disappeared.

Such an attitude not only received overwhelming "sympathy and affection" from the media, but also received support from more neutral fans.

He became genial and friendly with everyone, and on the way to the club his Bentley would pull up to pick up the new Busby kids on their way to training.

At the end of the game, he will chat with the fans, whether it is the Red Devils or the opponent's fans.

His gentle and humble style won more attention and support for Manchester United.

For the team, Busby still trusts Murphy, and they put in more effort and time than before the disaster to carefully build a new Manchester United.

Called by Busby and inspired by the unyielding spirit of Manchester United, all the eyes of football in England are focused on the Theater of Dreams.Almost all clubs have expressed their goodwill and support to Manchester United.

The rebuilt Manchester United team ushered in a large number of talents such as Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best, etc. The Red Devils were also reborn under the tragic blow of the Munich air disaster.The once powerful Manchester United has returned to the eyes of the fans.

In the 1964-1965 season, Manchester United's attacking five tigers composed of Best, Dennis Law, David Hurd, Nobby Stiles and Bobby Charlton were extremely sharp and invincible, helping Manchester United beat Leeds United to win the league championship.

Dennis Law also won the title of European Footballer of the Year. In the 1966-1967 season, Busby led Manchester United to win the league title again and enter the European Champions Cup.

The season that followed was enough to go down in Manchester United's history books. The UEFA Champions League started in 1967. In this top European football competition, Manchester United swept all the way, defeating Scotland's Heberian team, Yugoslavia's Sarajevo team, and Poland's Zabrze team.

With Busby's persistence and hard work, he is about to reach the legendary eternal kingdom, which is the record-breaking glory of the Red Devils.

In 1968, Manchester United, who had gone through hardships, reached the final of the Champions League, aiming at the championship.Wembley Stadium, the heart of British football, was the venue for the UEFA Champions League final that year.

Manchester United's opponent is Benfica of Portugal, the super team of that era.

Countless British fans flocked to the stadium, and the legendary experience of Manchester United even attracted countless European fans to watch the game.

Of course, Manchester United's opponent - Benfica from Portugal also has a large number of fans, and they have a superstar "Black Panther" - Eusebio!
The Portuguese superstar was the top scorer in the 1966 World Cup, scoring 9 goals. In that season, he scored 44 goals in the Portuguese league. He was the sharpest striker killer at that time.

In the reporter's pen, this game was rendered as the second only to England's World Cup victory in 1966.

On May 1968, 5, when Manchester United set foot on the road from the hotel to Wembley Stadium, every car passing by was honking for the Red Devils, and every pedestrian was blessing them and giving them a thumbs up, whether they were Manchester United fans or not. It was not only the 29 Manchester United fans who hoped that Manchester United would win the final, but also the people of the entire country, except for a very small number of mortal enemies.

The atmosphere in the Manchester United dressing room before the game was gloomy and dignified. Busby was more eager to win the Champions League than anyone else. He was not only full of guilt for the survivors, but also long-term self-blame for his ambitions that caused the death of several young Manchester United players.

Infected by the coach's emotions, Manchester United's players felt more responsibility personally. As George Best said, Busby's aging level at the time made the entire dressing room feel that this would be the last chance for Busby to win the Champions League.

And Cleland went to visit Edwards' parents before the game.

Busby was confident in this game and sent a classic 424 or 4231 lineup. Best, Charlton and Aston became the three arrows behind the forward Kidd, and Kidd made an assault at the forward position. Kidd became a shadow killer after his death.

Manchester United sent a steel combination that was already famous in Europe at the time in the midfield, the most famous of which was the "toothless tiger"-Stiles. Manchester United's man-marking midfielder was almost the best in the world at that time, and his side Collerand was responsible for sweeping more areas for him.This is a Manchester United with great attacking power and eagerness to play.

Before the start of the game, Busby's mobilization was very simple, "We have made great efforts to get here, so victory is our only goal. Now, let's show your passion!"

Indeed, the entire Manchester United team was like a sharp sword out of its sheath, and the desire for victory was so intense that Charlton later recalled, "We played football with boiling blood. I think this is the most important game. We must win."

This final was played magnificently.It was a night in early summer, fanatical fans turned Wembley into a melting pot, Manchester United fans looked at a Red Devils younger than 10 years, because Brian Kidd happened to have his 19th birthday that day, Manchester United fans celebrated Kidd's birthday with the "Beatles" song, while ridiculing Eusebio.Sitting on the home court, Manchester United launched an attack at the beginning, overwhelming Benfica with swift momentum.

After suppressing and probing in the first half, Manchester United quickly opened up the situation in the second half. After the excellent cooperation in the frontcourt, Charlton made an air cut and ran successfully. Aston, who played well in the audience, made a pass from the left.

Charlton later recalled, "I scored that header and I knew if I had a little more hair the ball would go higher."

Manchester United's 424 was very flexible throughout the game, and their two wings completely suppressed Benfica.

The Benfica team insisted on a steady assault, tightly shrinking and retreating in the backcourt, and did not give Manchester United more opportunities.The Portuguese team can only rely on the Panthers' personal ability to counterattack sporadically. Benfica's basic threatening offenses all come from his feet.

Although under the full supervision of Stiles, Eusebio, who is tall, strong and has excellent small skills, continues to threaten Manchester United. At the beginning of the first half, he hit the crossbar with a long shot.After Manchester United took the lead but still controlled the situation. After the two sides entered a stalemate, Manchester United seemed more anxious because they could not attack for a long time. As a result, Benfica succeeded in a surprise attack. Eusebio attracted Manchester United's central defender and midfielder.

After the game entered overtime, Manchester United dominated the situation again, and the game became a half-court offense and defense.

The last 30 minutes became a show for Best, Brian Kidd and Charlton. They each scored a goal to help Manchester United beat Benfica 4-1 on aggregate and finally won the game!
Best said: "We have been thinking about this game all season. This is our last chance to dedicate it to Papa Busby. I will never forget my goal, nor the face of Busby after the game. He didn't cry. The tears came later, but there seemed to be an aura around him, like a saint in a painting."

Although Aston didn't score, he was the best player on the spot. He likes to use the ball to pass, his speed is fast, and the opponent suffers a lot from the right. He not only created Manchester United's goal, but also completely tore apart the opponent's defense.

In the second half, Best also moved to the left, adding more pressure to Benfica, and the threat of Manchester United's attack was growing.

Of course, despite Aston's outstanding performance, Best is Manchester United's most famous player on the field, and he is also the most eye-catching.His technique is so good that the Benfica players are being played around by him.

In the second half, Best made a continuous pass on the edge of the penalty area. Unfortunately, his follow-up shot was saved by Benfica goalkeeper Henrik.

At the beginning of extra time, Best helped Manchester United take the lead again and sealed the victory.

Of course, we can't forget Stiles - the hero of England's World Cup championship, who followed the audience throughout the game, keeping a close eye on Eusebio as much as possible.

Manchester United won the final victory and won their first Champions League.

It was the first time in the history of Manchester United and Busby to win the European Champions Cup, and it was also the first time for an English team to win the European Champions Cup - the highest honor of the club. This is the glory of Manchester United!

After the game, all the fans sang "We are the champions, we are Manchester United, we are the champions, all because of you - Busby!", "We are the champions, we love Manchester United, we love Busby", the applause and cheers resounded through the sky.After the excited players accepted the championship medals, they surrounded their coaches and handed the trophy to Busby.

At that moment amidst the cheers of "Champion!" from all the fans, Busby burst into tears and couldn't help himself.

After Busby accepted the players' hugs and congratulations, the tearful Busby dripped blood from his hands into the championship trophy, and then sprinkled it on the lawn of Wembley Stadium to commemorate those unyielding souls in the Munich Air Disaster.

Busby walked to the center of the pitch, held up the trophy, and called out the names of those dead players over and over again, asking them to watch and share the glory of Manchester United in heaven.

The audience fell silent at that moment, and there was a rare moment of silence in Wembley Stadium with nearly 10 people. It was the fans and Busby paying tribute to the dead Manchester United.

The silence amidst the hustle and bustle, the solemnity amidst the shouting, the sadness amidst the joy, and the sacrifice amidst the glory, this is the most emotional moment in Busby's professional coaching career.

Ten years ago, Busby witnessed the dream team he created was wiped out in an air crash, and ten years later, he led the rebuilt Manchester United to create another miracle.

He fulfilled unfinished dreams for himself and those players who died!
This is a miraculous achievement of Manchester United. This is the ultimate glory brought to Manchester United by Busby's tireless, courageous and diligent struggle every moment for ten years!

The pride of the championship is the best reward for Busby and the Red Devils.

This is Manchester United, this is the devilish Red Devils, this is the invincible army rebuilt by Busby, this is the greatest team of that period!
After leading the team to win the Champions League, Busby has no regrets. Before the new season in 1969, Busby, whose body and energy were not as good as before, resigned as the head coach of Manchester United.

Under Manchester United's various attempts to retain him, he continued to work at the club as a director of the club.

In the 1970-1971 season, Manchester United, which had problems in the locker room, was struggling in the league. Busby returned briefly as a firefighting coach, but he soon retired again.

Subsequently, Busby, who left the coaching bench, became a member of the Manchester United club board and became the club's chairman in 1980.

He has been working for Manchester United until 1982 before resigning from the club, but still retains the status of Manchester United ambassador and continues to provide assistance to Manchester United within his ability.

Busby made such an outstanding contribution to Manchester United and English football that the British royal family awarded him a knighthood in recognition of his achievements in football.

Subsequently, the city of Manchester awarded him the title of honorary citizen and renamed a road beside the Old Trafford Stadium as "Busby Road". Busby won the respect and love of Manchester United, Manchester United fans, Manchester and most British fans.He is also widely respected among football fans around the world.

After Busby retired and resigned as the club's head coach, Manchester United entered the "post-Busby era".That Champions League seemed to exhaust the motivation of the players, and the players even lacked the desire for the championship.

After that, Manchester United did not win the championship for a long time, and the "second dynasty" of Manchester United established by Busby soon ended. Although he tried his best to get out of the mountain, he could only leave in a hurry.

But no one will blame him, because only he pushed Manchester United to the pinnacle of miracles, and created miracles twice; because only he truly gave life to this legendary club of Manchester United, and created Manchester United's tradition and characteristics of never saying never, pursuing wonderful football, and emphasizing youth training.

In fact, in English football at that time, only Busby was able to stick to Manchester United for 23 years, especially when he suffered an air crash when he was extremely prosperous.

Never give in to difficulties, always strive for victory, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles there are!

Always attacking, always strong and dignified, these are the real treasures of Manchester United.

And what Busby created for Manchester United is what Manchester United has cherished and held up to for years to come. It is the essence of true tradition.

That is "red blood", that is "the spirit of the devil", that is Manchester United, the unique Manchester United!
Busby once said, "Winning at all costs is no real achievement... Losing doesn't hurt reputation as long as you give it your all.

The most important thing is to play the game with the right mentality... If the game is fair, if every player plays with his heart as a part of the team, then no matter the result is good or bad, he should accept it. "

Regarding the Manchester United club and Manchester United players, he also hopes that Manchester United will become a first-class team, "The game between the first-class teams is very beautiful.

I love the theatrical effect, the skillful technique, the carefully controlled rhythm, and the sparks that come out of the confrontation between different styles.For me, a good football game is better than any other sport anyway.In football, I can feel romantic, magical and mysterious, beautiful, beautiful and picturesque.Great games are eternal and incredible legends. "

Let us remember his teachings-this is Busby's hope for Manchester United, and it is also the lifelong guardian of Manchester United's godfather.

(End of this chapter)