Manchester United FC - Stretford End

Former Manchester United captain Bill Foulkes, who survived the 1958 Munich air crash, has died aged 81.

Only Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have played more times for United than the Busby Babe, who made 688 appearances.

Sir Bobby Charlton said the defender was a "marvellous man" and United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added "he will never be forgotten".

St Helens-born Foulkes played for United in their 1968 European Cup win. Foulkes was a key member of Sir Matt Busby's team of talented young players, who were nicknamed the Busby Babes. On 6 February 1958, the plane that was carrying the team back from Belgrade crashed in a blizzard after re-fuelling at Munich airport. Twenty-three people died - eight players, eight newspaper journalists and seven members of backroom staff.

Speaking about the disaster in 2008, Foulkes said he had been "put in a bad way" by the crash. "The back end came up and I saw it came up and down again and this meant all the stuff came out of the back and hit me in the back of the head." However, he managed to escape from the plane and ran to safety before returning to help the survivors. "I ran over to Matt and we put an overcoat underneath him and he just turned over, groaned and passed out," he said.

After the Munich tragedy, Foulkes took over the captaincy and became a pillar of some of United's most successful teams. Foulkes was a four-time league champion and a FA Cup winner. He also won the European Cup at Wembley with United, when the team beat Portuguese side Benfica 4-1 in 1968.

Crunch time for United

Manchester United v Liverpool.
Capital One Cup third round. (Wednesday, 25 September. 7.45pm).

Under new manager David Moyes, United have made their worst start to a season in nine years. Admittedly they've had a tough fixture list, but the Scotsman will give everything to ensure his team emerge with victory.

Wayne Rooney says it's the "ideal game" for United at this juncture, but Liverpool's supporters would love nothing more than turning the screw on their bitter rivals. Manager Brendan Rodgers might just be more motivated by seeing Luis Suarez make a swift return to goal-scoring ways, while avoiding any unnecessary dramas.

"I have no doubt that, having been out, Luis will be even hungrier but his commitment and fight for the cause will still be the same," he said.

Remember: At Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won each of their last five matches with Liverpool in all competitions.

Beautiful Manchester United Girls

Manchester United fans hold their scarves through fences at the Stretford End

Manchester United 3 Manchester City 1

Young United fans lean through the fences with their scarves at the Stretford End at Old Trafford. (05/03/1977).

Manchester United Girl resting on her bed

The best girls support Manchester United

The Greatest Moment in Football History

The final 3 minutes of Manchester United v Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final.

A single UEFA camera covered the last 3 minutes. This is the rare pitch side footage of that beautiful night in Barcelona. Enjoy!

Alex Ferguson's 1,500th and final game in charge of Manchester United

Farewell Fergie!
Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United for the last time against West Brom, but Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's final game of the season.

Final Score: Manchester United 5 West Bromwich Albion 5

Alex Ferguson was given a guard of honour from both teams and an amazing ovation from the fans as he walked onto the pitch.

Sir Alex Ferguson's final speech - Goodbye Old Trafford

Watch Sir Alex Ferguson's final speech to the 76,000 crowd at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's Trophy Cabinet

Manchester United's Trophy Cabinet

Premier League (13) 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13

First Division (7) 1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67

FA Cup: (11) 1908–09, 1947–48, 1962–63, 1976–77, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04

League Cup: (4) 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10

FA Charity/Community Shield: (19) 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

European Cup / UEFA Champions League: (3) 1967–68, 1998–99, 2007–08

UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: (1) 1990–91

European Super Cup: (1) 1991

Intercontinental Cup: (1) 1999

FIFA Club World Cup: (1) 2008

End of an Era - Fergie lifts trophy on farewell

Alex Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy on his Old Trafford farewell after seeing his Manchester United side win 2-1 against Swansea in his last home game as manager

He was greeted with applause and cheering as the crowd waved masses of red flags when he walked on to the pitch before kick-off

Alex Ferguson's emotional speech
"My retirement doesn't mean the end of my life with the club. I will be able to now enjoy watching them, rather than suffer with them. But if you think about the last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all about this great club of ours. It's been an unbelievable experience for all of us. So thank you for that."

"You the fans have always stood by me and your job now is to stand by our new manager."

"I want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes who retires today. He is an unbelievable player, one of the greatest players this club will ever have."

"I have been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country. All of these players today have represented the club in the proper way. They have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to the players. I wish the players every success for the future. You know how good you are, the jersey you are wearing, and all the people here. Don't let yourselves down."

After leaving the pitch Alex Ferguson said, "I was bubbling there for a bit. All those flags, the atmosphere today was unbelievable the whole game. I'm proud of my fans today."

Red Devils - The Record Breakers

Manchester United have reached their magical mark of 20 league titles
Alex Ferguson and Manchester United were determined to win the title back, having lost it so dramatically to Manchester City in the final seconds of the 2011-12 season.

Alex Ferguson celebrates his first title win.

Watch Manchester United's amazing Champions winning season below.

Manchester United Official 20 x Champions 2013 Red T-Shirt Football Gift

Share your memories of the amazing career of Alex Ferguson

The Man - The Legend.
Sir Matt Busby closed his reign at Old Trafford when he was 62. Bill Shankly left Liverpool at the age of 60. Bob Paisley lasted at Anfield until he was 64. Brian Clough was 58 when he left. Alex Ferguson is 71, with a pacemaker in his chest and a hip replacement coming soon, yet we are still shocked at him leaving the great game.

With a total of 49 trophies collected over the years, Sir Alex Ferguson has a managerial record that will never be surpassed.

ABERDEEN
Scottish Premier Division (3): 1979-80, 1983-84, 1984-85.
Scottish Cup (4): 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86.
Scottish League Cup (1): 1985-86.
European Cup Winners' Cup (1): 1982-83.
European Super Cup (1): 1983.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Premier League (13): 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13.
FA Cup (5): 1989-90, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04.
League Cup (4): 1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10.
Charity/Community Shield (10): 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011.
Champions League (2): 1998-99, 2007-08.
European Cup Winners' Cup (1): 1990-91.
European Super Cup (1): 1991.
Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999.
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008.

What is Alex Ferguson's lasting legacy?
Please share your memories, your stories and feelings about the great man and his time in football.

Man Utd Champions 2013

Alex Ferguson says he will select a strong Manchester United side against Arsenal on Sunday out of respect for the other sides chasing Champions League places.

He also praises Arsene Wenger for planning to uphold the tradition of forming a guard of honour to welcome the champions onto the pitch.

United have clinched the title with four games to spare but have other goals in mind, including beating Chelsea's 2004/05 record points total of 95.

Ferguson believes Robin van Persie will not be intimidated if he gets a hostile reception when he makes his first return to Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets about selling Robin van Persie to Manchester United, yeah right!!

Champions of England - 20 times

Robin van Persie Wonder Goal

Robin van Persie has admitted his wonder volley at Old Trafford on Monday night was his best goal for Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson believes the sublime effort, as Van Persie manoeuvred himself on to the end of a 50-yard pass from Wayne Rooney before rocketing a first time shot past Brad Guzan deserves to get the goal-of-the-season prize.

Own a piece of sporting history - Robin van Persie Hand Signed Manchester United Shirt

Manchester United Celebrate their 20th Champions Title

Manchester United won the Premier League title in style on Monday night with a hat-trick from star striker Robin van Persie sealing a 3-0 win and a 20th championship.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra celebrates the title triumph by biting a fake arm to mock Luis Suarez. Haha!!

It is Manchester United's 13th title in 21 Premier League seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I feel 10 years younger after that," said Alex Ferguson after the game.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick celebrate in style.

20th Premier League title and the cup is back home once again

Glory glory Man united, Glory glory Man united, Glory glory Man united, As the reds go marching on on on!

Just like the Busby Babes in days gone by, We'll keep the red flags flying high, Your gonna see us all from far and wide, Your gonna hear the masses sing with pride.

United, Man united, We're the boys in red and we're on our way to Wembley!

Manchester United sit 13 points clear at the top of the table, bookmakers have paid out on them regaining their crown and victory tonight against Aston Villa will see them officially take the title - but Alex Ferguson has something more to play for tonight, and for the rest of the season.

With five games of the season left, United have 81 points and need 15 more to break the record of 95 which was set by Chelsea in 2004/05. A strong finish to the season will also see them pass their own Premier League era record of 92.

"If we get to 96 points I'd be absolutely delighted," said the Manchester United manager. "That would be a fantastic season."

Come on UNITED!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson Quotes

"We have people coming here to admire the scenery and enjoy their crisps."

"When an Italian tells me its pasta on the plate I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen."

"Sometimes you look in a field and you see a cow and you think it's a better cow than the one you've got in your own field. It's a fact. Right? And it never really works out that way."

"Go and make your mistakes in the first team. You'll learn more in a month in the first team than you will in two years in the reserves."

"You can't applaud a referee."

Sir Matt Busby Quotes

"It was a very simple team talk. All I used to say was 'Whenever possible, give the ball to George'"

"Nobby Stiles a dirty player? No, he's never hurt anyone. Mind you, he's frightened a few!"

"He (George Best) was able to use either foot - sometimes he seemed to have six."

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

“In all modesty, my summing up of 1955-6 and 1956-7 must be that no club in the country could live with Manchester United.”

"He (Bobby Charlton) was idolized from his twentieth year on."

"If you don't put them in, you can't know what you've got."

"Germany was one thing and facing Old Trafford another. When I approached the ground and moved over the bridge along which our supporters had squeezed fifty abreast in there tens of thousands to shout for us I could scarcely bear to look. I new the ghosts of the babes would still be there, and there they are still, and they will always be there as long as those who saw them still cross the bridge, young, gay, red ghosts on the green grass of Old Trafford."

"Over the years people called several players the new Duncan Edwards. First Dave Mackay, then Bryan Robson. But none of them came close. He was the only player that made me feel inferior."

"I do not worry about conceding goals because I know my forwards will double it at the other end."

"Manchester is my Heaven."