Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Greg, the hero of the Munich air disaster, passed away at the age of 87 on Monday. He is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of United as well as his country. He made a total of 247 club appearances for United during the reign of Sir Matt Busby, making him one of the ‘Busby Boys’. He also made 25 appearances for Northern Ireland.
Gregg was a survivor of the horrific Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players. His actions in the aftermath of the disaster earned him the title of ‘The Hero of Munich’.
He managed to pull out three of his teammates, including Bobby Charlton, Jackie Blanchflower and Dennis Viollet from the wreckage along with their badly injured manager Matt Busby. He also rescued Vera Lukić, the pregnant wife of a Yugoslav diplomat and her two-year-old daughter, Vesna.
Manchester United posted a photo of him on Twitter and wrote, “It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends.”
It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5kjlpn5Wqm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020
His death was announced by the Harry Gregg Foundation. The foundation in a statement said, “It is with great sorrow that we inform of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE. Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family.”
“The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks. To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family. Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time. Never to be forgotten!” the statement further added.
Harry Greg had signed for the Manchester club in 1957 for GBP 23,000. This made him the most expensive goalkeeper of that time.