Manchester United prepares to honor the victims of the Munich disaster

It’s impossible to understand the scale of the Munich air disaster until you’ve been inside Manchester United, says women’s coach Mark Skinner.

Skinner and boss men Michael Carrick brought forward their pre-match press conference to allow them to attend the anniversary of the tragedy on Friday.

It is 68 years since the plane carrying Sir Matt Busby and his team after a European Cup match in Belgrade crashed on take-off after a refueling stop in Munich. Eight players were among the 23 dead.

This is widely accepted to be the darkest day in the club’s history and will be recognized by a half-hour service under the Munich clock at Old Trafford at 14:45 GMT.

“Before you were in it [the club]I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the matter [the tragedy] Skinner said in full.

“You understand the tragedy. You can sympathize and sympathize, but when you’re in the club, you become part of it.

“Every year, I go to Celebrate Life and see the families and how many people from different walks of life have had that experience; the stories of people who knew the Busby Babes, or knew people at that time, or parents, who were taken to games when they were young.

“Manchester United is built on ecstasy and tragedy. Among the greatest tragedies in football, the Munich air disaster is one of them.

“I feel immersed in it now. I look forward to this moment every year; to celebrate the impact these people have had on our club and to continue to do so.”