Gregg: On Busby, anniversaries and this team

jojojo

A good article from:
http://www.sportinglife.com/football...HD=premiership

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The word fate sits uncomfortably on Harry Gregg's shoulders as Manchester United prepare for the Champions League final, 50 years after the Munich air disaster.

Gregg believes the current crop of players should focus fully on trying to beat Chelsea on Wednesday in Moscow and not be distracted by the past.

As someone who not only survived the crash but went back to drag people from the burning plane, the former Northern Ireland goalkeeper retains respect at Old Trafford and beyond.

Now 75, Gregg points to the fact that United lost at home to Manchester City in February, immediately after they had marked the anniversary, and is concerned a similar scenario may unfold at the Luzniki Stadium.

"I don't want to burden today's players with what happened many years ago and jump on the bandwagon," he said. "That would be very wrong.

"When I went across for the anniversary I came home the following day, I did not go to the derby game.

"The link between the current players and what happened at the time, showed on the day in the performance."

Twenty-three people perished in the snow on February 8, 1958, eight of them United players, as flight G-ALZU crashed on the runaway.

Known as the Busby Babes, the football world was shocked at their passing in such tragic circumstances.

Gregg recovered to such an extent he went on the play in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where he was named best goalkeeper in the tournament as Northern Ireland reached the quarter-finals.

Manager Sir Matt Busby also climbed out of his sick bed and 10 years on from the tragedy delivered the European Cup to an emotional Old Trafford.

Gregg claims Sir Alex Ferguson has picked up the baton left by his fellow Scot and made the club the envy of the football world.

United are hoping to win the trophy for a third time and end a nine-year wait when Bayern Munich were famously beaten in Barcelona.

Gregg, who arrived in 1957 from Doncaster, said: "I was part of a fantastic group of 42 players, only four of whom had been signed.

"I remember those team talks at Old Trafford. Matt Busby wasn't a great speaker and his words never changed.

"He would say 'If you weren't good enough, you wouldn't be here. Up together, back together'

"In other words, attack in strength, defend in depth. It was a wonderful short time.

"I think Sir Alex has the kind the attitude that was prevalent in the days when I was playing for United and that has to be admired."

Gregg believes the current crop of players should focus fully on trying to beat Chelsea on Wednesday in Moscow and not be distracted by the past.

Ferguson has promised Paul Scholes a place in the starting line-up after he missed the 1999 final through suspension.

Gregg believes the evergreen midfielder and 41-goal Cristiano Ronaldo are the best players to wear a United shirt.

Scholes has hit top form after a knee injury and scored the winner against Barcelona in the semi-final.

Gregg said: "I remember when Paul came over to Northern Ireland with United for the Milk Cup youth tournament.

"He was the quietest one of the lot and seemed to be suffering from a touch of asthma.

"But what a player he was then and has become. It astonishes me the way he has time on the ball.

"I also love watching Ronaldo and those two are the best I have seen in a red shirt."

Gregg is taking up United's offer and will be in Moscow for the game.

Munich survivors Bill Foulkes, Albert Scanlon and Kenny Morgans have also been invited.

Sir Bobby Charlton will be in the director's box as the club aim to complete a glorious double after winning the Premier League title.

Gregg added: "I look at United and see a group of very talented and very hungry players.

"You need those abilities to be successful at United and I wish them all the luck in the world."

Jacob

Don't know what to say.

Good for Ronaldo to get recognition by elders

Raven_Blade

Thats nice of him to say. I hope our players hear his words. We dont want a repeat of the Manchester derby performance. Forget the past. It is only the present that should be associated with this match.

jojojo

I think I know what you mean - I had a lump in my throat as I read it.

I remember the derby match and the players getting slated afterwards as not caring - whereas my instinct was that actually that they cared too much, and reacted too much to the emotions, and couldn't switch it off when the game started.

Im red2

One thing I will not be doing is recording the final, I was recording the 1999 final against Bayern München and stopped about 5 minutes before the end because I thought that was it(me of little faith , I know) We all know what happened next.
I recorded the FA cup final last season, we lost. I recorded both matches against City this season, we lost. I recorded the FA Cup match against Portsmouth this season, we lost. I recorded the away match against Chelsea this season, we lost I recorded the away semi Final match against Barca this season, we drew. My record is very bad allthough I have recorded a couple of wins too. More defeats than wins, on wednesday I will not be recording the match. If we win it I will buy the DVD.
Come on United

kishankhagram

KILL HIMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im red2

I seldom do record matches, just now and then. I wanted to record our home match against Chelski, and the one against the scousers, first (Chelsea) forgot to buy DVDs, second Liverpool, I thought I was recording and noticed at half time that I was not. I feel like a jinx. But I am a United fan, so I will not be recording our matches again anytime soon.

Im red2

By the way Great article on Harry Gregg by OP