Matt Busby himself was severely injured and was twice given his last rites. In the 1960s, Busby rebuilt the Manchester United team.
The biggest success of his career came in 1968 when the team won the European Cup.
He retired as manager in 1969. Awarded the CBE in 1958 and knighted following the European Cup victory in 1968.
Bill Foulkes (defender) was 26. Went on to play a major part in the European Cup campaign of 1968.
Harry Gregg (goalkeeper) was 24. He had joined them 2 months before the crash, but was immediately welcomed into the fold.
He survived, and was cited for bravery for going back into the burning wreckage to rescue passengers.
Johnny Berry (winger) was a relative veteran at 31. A very brave and fast winger who scored plenty of goals. Never played again.
Jackie Blanchflower (defender) was 24. Understudy to Mark Jones, and a very versatile player. Never played again.
Bobby Charlton (forward) age 20. Just breaking into the team at the time of the crash, he scored twice in Belgrade the night before. Went on to become one of the game's greatest players and remains one of its most respected ambassadors. Lost all his hair shortly after the crash.
Ken Morgans (winger) was 18. Fast, tricky and brimming with confidence before the crash. Kept Berry out of the side. Never recovered his form after Munich.
Albert Scanlon (winger) was 22. A player of great potential who suffered terrible head injuries at Munich. Recovered and played well for several years, scoring 16 league goals the season after the crash.
Dennis Viollet (striker) was 24. A prolific goalscorer and a great player before the crash, he went on to set a United scoring record in 1959-60 with 32 league goals. Later joined Stoke City and served them well for many years. It is said he was never quite as good after the crash, and that he was potentially one of the best strikers in the history of the game.
Ray Wood (goalkeeper) was 26. Lost his place to Harry Gregg, but one of United's legendary goalkeeping heroes. Another who suffered terrible head injuries, he rarely played again.
Who Also Survived
Frank Taylor Journalist
Peter Howard Photographer
Ted Ellyard Photographer
Mrs Vera Lukic and baby daughter Passengers (rescued by Harry Gregg)
Mrs Miklos Wife of travel agent who arranged trip and died in crash
Mr N Tomasevic Passenger
James Thain Captain
Two Stewardesses
A short summary of all the players involved that day can be found
here.
original: arie