'Wayne Barton’s knowledge on Manchester United is unparalleled' - The Mirror

This compelling and moving story of Manchester United’s rejuvenation after the Munich Air Crash revisits an era that is fundamental to the club’s place in the modern game.

The 1958 Munich Air Crash that ripped the heart from one of Britain’s greatest ever teams. In this book, Wayne Barton, author of 20 Manchester United titles, has produced a forensic account of how those post-tragedy years forged the character of one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Barton focuses on the five years immediately after the tragedy, how the shattered ambitions of the club were revived and rejuvenated by recovering manager Matt Busby and his assistant Murphy. The engrossing story is told through in-depth research and exclusive interviews with many players from the era. They include Harry Gregg, Jackie Blanchflower, Bill Foulkes and Albert Scanlon, who all survived the crash; Albert Quixall, David Herd, Pat Crerand, Wilf McGuinness and others who became stars of the rebuilt team; and supporters and back room staff who witnessed an extraordinary period at the club.

The scars of that fateful night will never fade, but in its aftermath a spirit of resolve, a belief in homegrown players and a never-say-die attitude developed and became essential elements of Manchester United’s DNA.