United legend to be immortalised with statue outside Stretford End

Manchester United fans have something to look forward to on Wednesday 3rd May as a statue of club legend Jimmy Murphy will be unveiled outside the Stretford End of Old Trafford.

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 2 years ago
Community, Man Utd, People

The event is set to take place exactly 65 years after he led the club to the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The ceremony will be open to fans and the public, with complimentary soft drinks distributed to those in attendance.

The official unveiling is set to take place between 17:00 and 17:30, after which the statue will be seen by United fans for the first time.

The event will be compered by Alan Keegan and will feature words from the club and the Murphy family.

The club announced in May 2021 that it would be commissioning a statue to celebrate Jimmy Murphy’s immense contribution at Old Trafford, following discussions with a coalition of United supporters and the Murphy family.

Award-winning sculptor Alan Herriot was later appointed to design and develop the statue after consultation with the fan coalition in 2022.

Murphy played a crucial role as a coach and later assistant manager to Sir Matt Busby between 1946 and 1971. The Welshman was integral in the development of the Busby Babes, including Sir Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards, and was crucial in the club’s recovery after the Munich Air Disaster.

Various locations were suggested for the statue, but after consultation, it was agreed that the tribute will be situated outside the Stretford End of Old Trafford, close to the area where Murphy used to coach the Busby Babes on a training pitch made of ash cinders.

The club has expressed its gratitude to the family of Jimmy Murphy and the coalition of United supporters’ groups who helped develop this important project. This statue is a fitting tribute to a legend of Manchester United and will be a permanent reminder of his contribution to the club’s history.

Manchester United fans can now look forward to Wednesday 3rd May, where they will have the chance to witness the unveiling of this important statue and pay their respects to one of the club’s greatest ever figures. This is sure to be an emotional event for all involved, and a fitting celebration of the life and legacy of Jimmy Murphy.

This article was last updated 2 years ago.
It was first published on 19 April 2023 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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