Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says understanding the Munich air disaster is a fundamental responsibility for everyone at the club.
MICHAEL Carrick has stressed the enduring significance of the Munich air disaster to Manchester United’s identity. The manager said his players must understand the club’s history as they prepare to mark the 68th anniversary of the tragedy.
The United team were returning from a European Cup match in 1958 when their plane crashed in Munich. The disaster claimed 23 lives, including 11 players and club staff.
Carrick made his comments ahead of a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. The fixture was moved forward a day to avoid clashing with Friday’s memorial service at Old Trafford.
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“As soon as you come (to this club), you’re made aware, and you can’t help but know and understand the history,” Carrick said. The former United midfielder has served the club as a player, coach and now manager.
“I think it’s a responsibility that when you work here, you play, you coach, you understand what’s come before us, and behaviours and responsibilities that we need to carry through,” he added. Carrick described Munich as “probably the biggest part of the history of this club”.
He highlighted both the tragedy itself and the club’s subsequent recovery. United rebuilt after the disaster and later achieved great European success under manager Sir Matt Busby.
Carrick’s managerial reign has begun with three consecutive victories. His team have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham in an impressive start.
United are set to play only 40 games this season, their lowest tally since 1915. The reduced schedule provides more training time but also opens gaps for potential friendly matches.
The club could arrange lucrative fixtures during breaks in the domestic calendar. A trip to Saudi Arabia has been reported as a possibility in the coming months.
No plans are confirmed for a 13-day break after next week’s match at West Ham United. Further gaps in March and April could also be used for overseas tours.
Such trips would help compensate for lost revenue from not qualifying for European competition. “We’re aware of the schedule and there are spaces, if you like, that we can use in different ways,” Carrick said. He added that all options remain “up for discussion at the moment”. – AFP
