In the history of football there are certain figures at clubs whose memory runs deeply through the soil out of which the club's legacy grows. Generations of players pass through, managers come and go and their achievements and failures are compared with the results of those who went before. Men whose philosophy, knowledge and impact on the club is still talked about even by those who weren't around to witness it first hand. Bill Shankly at Liverpool springs to mind. Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest.
Matt Busby at Manchester United.
Busby is absolutely revered at United for his European Cup-winning tenure at the club and for the way in which he built the club back up again after the tragedy of the Munich air disaster and the death of the so-called 'Busby babes'.
And that is why today's developments have so enraged Red Devils fans. For today, Busby's memorial plaque has reportedly been removed from the directors' box at United and his grandchildren refused further access to seats there.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the decision was made after nearly fifty years of Busby's family having access to the directors' box (Busby died in 1994).
United fans have been annoyed at hearing the news, to say the least.
Wow I'm truly shocked of the news Sir Matt Busby's plaque has been removed this is completely unacceptable #MUFC
— Ryan #GlazersOut (@United4Life_20) September 4, 2016
I can't believe they are taking Sir Matt Busby plaque off his seat. This guy is and always will be a Legend to our club #MUFC #OldTrafford
— Denise (@Denise_1305) September 4, 2016
Put that plaque bearing name of the man that built our club & lead us through our darkest days back where it belongs-Sir Matt Busby @ManUtd
— Annemarie Dray (@AnnemarieDray) September 4, 2016
No doubt the full story will emerge in the following day or so as the club will feel duty-bound to explain its actions.
