Did you know that Manchester United were the first English team to win the European cup?

Manchester United were the first English team to win the European Cup on the 29th of May 1968. In front of a massive crowd of 100,000 people, they trashed Portuguese giants Benfica 4-1 at the Wembley Stadium. This was achieved just 10 years after the Munich air disaster, which led to 8 of Manchester United players tragically losing their lives. After almost losing his life in the disaster himself, Matt Busby’s aim was to rebuild Manchester United and turn it into the best team in Europe.

I never wanted Manchester United to be second to anybody. Only the best would be good enough.

Matt Busby rebuilt his team around some the survivors of the disaster, mainly Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes, together with new signings Denis Law and George Best. The latter was named European Footballer of the Year at the end of the 1968 season. Denis Law was out of the European Final because of a knee injury.

Busby retired shortly after turning Manchester United into European champions.

Line Ups

Manchester United: Stepney, Brennan, Foulkes, Crerand, Dunne, Charlton (Captain), Stiles, Best, Kidd, Sadler, Aston
Benfica: Henrique, Adolfo, Humberto, Jacinto, Cruz, Graca, Coluna (Captain), Jose Augusto, Torres, Eusebio, Simoes

Scorers

Manchester United 4 (Charlton x 2, Best, Kidd)
Benfica 1 (Graca)

 

Watch the highlights of Manchester United’s first European Cup final win below:

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