Busby revived the Red Devils after the devastating 1958 Munich air disaster in which he was seriously hurt and which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight players, steering the club to their first European Cup success a decade later.
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This season, his grandchildren have lost their seats in the stadium’s Director’s Box, after Busby was given the seats when working at the club.
His team’s recovery to win the European Cup just ten years on from the crash is one of the most famous stories in English football history.
Busby himself was a regular visitor to Old Trafford but, following his death in 1994, his children Sandy and Sheena continued to enjoy the privilege.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Amanda Eustace, Busby’s granddaughter said the family still had season tickets to all of the home games.
“The club continues to provide tickets and hospitality for the descendants of Sir Matt but with the passing of his children that hospitality will continue in the Warwick Suite”, said a statement from Manchester United.
But the user added: “Sadly previous year both of Sir Matt’s children died but before then they could give those allocated seats to family members if they were not going themselves”.
“So United have given the family a number of season tickets instead”.
Reports emerged on Monday claiming United had removed a plaque commemorating Sir Matt from the seat which he was given following his retirement.
Does the move demonstrate a lack of respect to the club’s own history?
Another, Colin Mulholland, wrote simply: “Absolute disgrace Sir Matt IS Manchester United”. Despite playing for Manchester City and Liverpool during his career, he grew into one of United’s most successful managers, despite the tragedy of the Munich air disaster in 1958.
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“We’d advise the club to reconsider their decision”, Ian Stirling, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust told the Daily Telegraph.
