WI: Busby dies in Munich air disaster?

[Calcaterra]

Wikipedia article

For those who don't know, in 1958, virtually the entire team, along with coaches, journalists, and supporters, were on a plane out of Berlin off of a layover, as they had just eliminated Red Star Belgrade from the European Cup competition. The weather was terrible, but fearing a severe delay, the crew decided to attempt a takeoff, and the slush on the runway caused a crash that would kill or debilitate much of the team, which was considered one of the most talented groups of players in the world.

Let's say that the great manager (and famously kind human being) Sir Matt Busby, who was severely injured, does not survive the crash. This would take away the heart, and glue, of the club, who oversaw it’s total rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster. What happens in English football? Domestically, of course, it would drastically alter the landscape of English football. Internationally, I wonder how it would effect the England national team, particularly in the lead up to 1966. For the record; all other survivors still pull through, Busby’s is the only fate different than in OTL.

 

[marktaha]

Declared at the time when Busby's fate hung in balance - United will go on

 

[nezza]

Had that happened then its highly unlikely that England would have won in 1966 as some of the key players had been lost. But the national wave of support would have been incredible.

 

[marktaha]

If all passengers lost at Munch-only Bobby Charlton played in 1966.

 

[Calcaterra]

If all passengers lost at Munch-only Bobby Charlton played in 1966.

Not the situation I intended; merely that Busby's passing precipitates the club folding. I'm more focused on the effects after that, and which clubs everyone think could benefit or otherwise fill the void.

 

[Gannt the chartist]

The people of Kent are devastated.

 

[JDGiant]

A number of consequences. Liverpool's dominance may have begun a bit earlier and may not have tailed off after 1990 or so, which might have led to them (rather than Man Utd) becoming the face of football commercialisation from 1992 onwards.

 

[Kalvan]

Well, Manchester City would suddenly become the biggest team in the area, at least until it merges with another team, prompting a name change...

 

[Incasaurus]

I was reading about the disaster here and came upon a line about Man United possibly folding as a result.

For those who don't know, in 1958, virtually the entire team, along with coaches, journalists, and supporters, were on a plane out of Berlin off of a layover, as they had just eliminated Red Star Belgrade from the European Cup competition. The weather was terrible, but fearing a severe delay, the crew decided to attempt a takeoff, and the slush on the runway caused a crash that would kill or debilitate much of the team, which was considered one of the most talented groups of players in the world.

Let's say that the great manager (and famously kind human being) Sir Matt Busby, who was severely injured, does not survive the crash. This would take away the heart, and glue, of the club, and for our purposes it would cause it to fold. What happens in English football? Domestically, of course, it would drastically alter the landscape of English football. Internationally, I wonder how it would effect the England national team, particularly in the lead up to 1966.

Do you have any sources that state the team may have folded? I’m finding the whole idea of the club disappearing and not existing pretty hard to believe. And even if it did, another Manchester United would soon emerge to replace it.

 

[Calcaterra]

Do you have any sources that state the team may have folded? I’m finding the whole idea of the club disappearing and not existing pretty hard to believe. And even if it did, another Manchester United would soon emerge to replace it.

I don't. Usually I do, but in this case the only thing I have is the "speculation" mentioned in the article above, which automatically piqued my interest. I find it implausible that the club would shut down as well; however, I just wanted the take of others.

 

[Nick P]

There could be a 1980s milk advert using the line "Manchester United? Who are they?" 😢
(Too soon? Sorry 😬 )


But seriously, I don't believe that Man United would disappear without Busby but it would fade out of the top football Divisions for a few years. As in OTL they would have the reserve teams to draw on and loan offers of players from other big clubs.
They would need to find money to replace all those good players - we can safely assume they have a good bank account, good support from the fans and also compensation from the airline.

 

[EvilJam]

There could be a 1980s milk advert using the line "Manchester United? Who are they?" 😢
(Too soon? Sorry 😬 )


But seriously, I don't believe that Man United would disappear without Busby but it would fade out of the top football Divisions for a few years. As in OTL they would have the reserve teams to draw on and loan offers of players from other big clubs.
They would need to find money to replace all those good players - we can safely assume they have a good bank account, good support from the fans and also compensation from the airline.

Man Utd always benefitted in the pre-TV money era from the fact that it was in Manchester - and thus could fill massive stadiums and make a lot of money when the primary source of revenue was ticket sales, it's why Bayern became big, why Liverpool did, why any London team did, really it is why every team but the Oil ones became big.

Most likely event if Man Utd folds is that either it restarts or City just become the one club which people support

 

[Calcaterra]

I think it’s best I change the tin to allow for a broader and more interesting discussion. You guys have made good points about shutting down really wasn’t feasible, so I’ll just ask what happens if Busby passes.

 

[EvilJam]

I think it’s best I change the tin to allow for a broader and more interesting discussion. You guys have made good points about shutting down really wasn’t feasible, so I’ll just ask what happens if Busby passes.

Interestingly enough Man Utd had considered signing Puskas to help rebuild the squad but because of Busby's incapacitated, but not dead, state they chose not to go in for him as they couldn't communicate with the manager about it (Busby had took unprecedented, for the time, influence and control regarding transfers).

Puskas went on to make 262 appearances for Real and scored 242 being a crucial part of the amazing Real team of the 1950s and 60s. Certainly would've been interesting if he went to MUFC.

Truthfully if the same crop of players come (Best, Law etc) then it will likely be just as successful a Post-Munich period as OTL.

 

[marktaha]

Couldn't with maximum wage then

 

[tgifriday]

jimmy murphy becomes caretaker manager for longer