Real Madrid Ballon d’Or winner was offered to Man Utd – but FA blocked move
Football can often be a cruel game – but Real Madrid showed what it's all about with their offer to Manchester United in the wake of the Munich air disaster.
The February 6, 1958 tragedy claimed 23 lives, including eight of United's Busby Babes and three members of the club's staff. As well as having to deal with an immeasurable amount of grief, Sir Matt and his squad were left light on numbers to finish the season.
It was then that rivalries were put aside, with Spanish giants Real one of those to reach out and offer their support. President Santiago Bernabeu set up friendlies to help raise funds.
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And he also offered to loan them legendary Ballon d'Or winner Alfredo Di Stefano, one of the sport's all-time greats. The late forward had one the prize for Europe's best footballer the year before having helped Real to European Cup glory.
However, the English FA blocked the proposed move. Alan Hardaker, the Football League secretary who had also refused United entry to the European Cup, was said to have put a stop to it as it would've taken a space from a British player.
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Despite that, strong relations between Real and United formed. Busby famously re-built a new wave of Babes who went on to achieve glory in Europe 10 years after the disaster.
And en-route to their triumph they beat Real in the semi-finals. After the match, Bernabeu said: “If it had to be anyone, then I am glad it was them."
Liverpool were another team who lent their support in United's time of need, offering up five players on loan to bolster Busby's options.
His counterpart, the iconic Bill Shankly, even offered to pay their wages. United would go on to win their first game back, beating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 in an FA Cup tie.
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