Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is still "affected" by the Munich air crash.

Eight United players, known as the 'Busby Babes', and 15 others passed away 55 years ago today when a plane crashed due to a failed take-off in icy conditions in Germany.

The tragedy occurred when the pilot attempted to take off for a third time but overran the runway and smashed into a building causing the aircraft to catch fire.

"I've been affected since a young boy," BBC Sport quotes Ferguson as saying. "It was a sad time. For many it's probably long forgotten but for someone like me who remembers the day, you won't forget it."

Ferguson was 16 when the British European Airways plane, which was due to take the United team home from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade, crashed.

Written by
Danielle Joynson