The Reasons Why Manchester United And Real Madrid Share A Longstanding Bond
Manchester United and Real Madrid are the two biggest football clubs in the world, and they share a friendship which dates back to the 1950s.
While there was some tension between the clubs during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era at United, the bond and respect largely remains between the giants of world football.
Here’s a look back at how the bond between the clubs started.
Sir Matt Busby & Santiago Bernabeu’s Friendship
The connection between the two clubs began in the 1956/57 season, when United became the first English team to participate in the European Cup.
Despite little backing from the Football Association (FA), United made a strong debut, ultimately facing Real Madrid in the two-legged semi-final, in April ‘57.
Sir Matt Busby’s young team were outclassed in the tie against Madrid, who had dominated the early years of the European cup, led by some of the world’s best players, like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Raymond Kopa.
Despite the loss, United had played very well, and Real Madrid’s president, Santiago Bernabeu, was left very impressed by Busby’s side, who had an average age of just 22, and he ‘begged’ Sir Matt to join Real Madrid.
Busby stayed loyal and turned the offer down, to continue his pursuit of a European Cup with United, however the mutual respect grew, and the two became friends for life.
Bernabeu’s Aid Following The Munich Air Disaster
Less than a year after the European Cup Semi-Final between United and Madrid, the Munich Air Disaster happened; The darkest day in the club’s history, which left United’s future in the balance.
Santiago Bernabeu was saddened by the disaster, and wanted to help United get back on their feet.
He offered the best player in the world at the time (and Ballon d’Or winner) Alfredo Di Stéfano to Manchester United on loan, which the player was open to, before the FA blocked it.
After Madrid beat AC Milan in the European Cup final, Bernabeu also offered the trophy to United, which was declined.
United had beaten Red Star Belgrade in the quarter-final before the tragedy, and went on to lose the semi-final to AC Milan afterwards.
However, over the next few years, five friendly games between United and Madrid were arranged, as a way of helping United raise funds, to help with the financial difficulties.
United lost the first 3 friendly games, but won the last 2, with the final game played in front of 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu stadium, in what was the first time an English side had beaten Madrid at their home ground.
1968 European Cup
United played Real Madrid again in the semi-final of the 1967/68 European Cup, and beat them on their way to the club’s first European Cup title.
Shortly before the semi-final tie, Bernabeu had said to his club: “I want Manchester United greeted and treated and respected as the greatest club in the world. As our friends for many years, nothing must go wrong. If we are beaten in the European Cup by Manchester United on Wednesday then we shall have lost to a great team. We have met them on many occasions and it’s about time their luck changed.“
Following the two-legged tie, he also said: “If it had to be anyone, then I am glad it was them.”