‘They truly are wonderful people’

Those sentiments are echoed by Rummenigge (left), who has sampled the unique atmosphere at Manchesterplatz many times since its unveiling. 

“I remember very well at the opening of the monument,” he says. “When we met many of the supporters of Man United, especially the older ones, it was a very emotional experience for all of us. I made a speech, the lord mayor of Munich made a speech, and you could feel how people are still living today with what happened; not only in Manchester but as well in Munich.

“More than 20 people died, and that was a big disaster for the city of Munich. The tragedy was a big shock for the people of this city, I was told, because I was very young at the time of the crash [two years old], and I didn’t live in Munich at that time. We had a lot of respect for what happened. At that time, the relationship between the two countries was still strained by the Second World War, but I believe in the course of this tragic accident, Germany and England have come closer again. Many German people, many German doctors worked very hard to help the victims and survivors, and that was also recognised by the British people.

“So, you can see at the ceremonies that they are very emotional occasions for everyone, seeing how people are still living with this nightmare. No one will ever forget the Munich Air Disaster.”

Nor will anybody at Manchester United ever forget the contribution made by Bayern Munich, a shining light when we reflect on our darkest hour.