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Manchester United in Europe
Manchester United in Europe
Oct 3, 2024 5:15 AM

Author:Ken Ferris

Manchester United in Europe

Manchester United's quest to win the European Cup was forged amidst the charred remains of an Elizabethan airliner that crashed on take-off at Munich's Riem Airport on 6 February 1958. Twenty-three people died in the tragedy, including eight of the famous Busby Babes. From that moment manager Matt Busby's goal of winning the European Cup became an obsession that permeated the whole club.Ten years after the Munich disaster, Busby achieved his dream when United - inspired by Bobby Charlton and George Best - beat Benfica 4-1 in extra time to lift the European Cup at Wembley. Some felt the ghosts of Munich were there to witness the club's joy. It seemed to be United's destiny finally to honour those who had lost their lives in pursuit of the gleaming silver trophy. But that triumph was to hang over the club for the next 31 years as United failed to regain those heights. Alex Ferguson's arrival spawned a flood of trophies, but the European Cup - by then known as the Champions League - remained elusively outside their grasp. Then came the last final of the twentieth century, against Bayern Munich in the towering splendour of Barcelona's Nou Camp, when United snatched a 2-1 victory from the jaws of defeat to complete the impossible Treble. Manchester United in Europe: Tragedy, Destiny, History recounts the course of those three European campaigns. Using first-hand accounts of the dramatic events, the book describes the sadness and the joy that have run through United's pursuit of European glory and considers the club's chances of ever repeating the European triumphs of the past.

Reviews

THE GREATEST ADVENTURER ALIVE

—— Richard Branson

Like the man himself, captivating

—— Simon Yeend , Daily Express

We get raw thrilling Wiggins, as if we’re his mates in the pub as he tells us how he won the Tour de France and Olympic gold for afters

—— Nick Pitt , Sunday Times

Listening to Bradley Wiggins is a pleasure unmatched in British sport. Whether the topic is gearing or psychology, Wiggins speaks in paragraphs of pure practical wisdom, liberally peppered with swearwords... The latest reflections from the sage of Kilburn ring true and clear

—— Rowland Manthorpe , Sunday Telegraph

It bristles with details of his sinew-straining dedication and the almost maniacal attention to detail that powers any athlete to legend status

—— Charlotte Heathcote , Sunday Express

The most extraordinary feat of the most extraordinary year in British sport ... captured

—— Steven Howard , The Sun

It is the details that linger: the two-hour training sessions in a shed heated to 40C; the fanaticism about losing weight

—— Sarah Crompton , Daily Telegraph

Naturally there are a plethora of autobiographies from Olympic stars... Given his unrivalled success this year along with his blunt honesty and sharp wit, Wiggins’ book promises to be the most interesting read of them all

—— Rowing and Regatta

A straight first-hand account of Wiggins’s path to Tour and Olympic glory

—— Cycle Sport

Sporting hero Bradley Wiggins opens up about life on and off the wheels in this candid book

—— Asda magazine

2012 belongs to one cyclist more than any other, Bradley Wiggins. His autobiography, My Time, like Pendleton's much helped by the choice of co-writer, in Wiggins' case the superlative William Fotheringham. Wiggins' story is unsurprisingly dominated by the account his book provides of what it took to become the first British rider to win the Tour de France. But in the course of telling the tale his image as an everyday hero is absolutely confirmed with all the necessary detail and insight both cynics and fans would require. He is truly not only a great athlete but a great guy too. No BBC hoopla or appointment at the palace is required to confirm this well-deserved status

—— Mary Perryman , Huffington Post UK

charts his incredible feats this year

—— Aline Reed , Sunday Express

An absorbing read for cycling aficionados and newcomers alike, delving into most levels of Wiggins existence – cyclist, team leader, husband, father, son – during the most important years of his life

—— Road Cycling

Covers not only the highs of the last two seasons but the lows

—— London Cyclist

In the course of telling the tale, his image as an everyday hero is absolutely confirmed with all the necessary detail and insight both cynics and fans would require

—— Mark Perryman , Morning Star

Conveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour winners came from Kilburn

—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New Statesman

Compelling and often emotional account... Outspoken, honest, intelligent and fearless, Wiggins has been hailed as the people’s champion

—— Yorkshire Post

A genuinely up-lifting read

—— Alan Pattullo , The Scotsman

Engaging

—— Malachy Clerkin , Irish Times

My Time conveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour de France winners came from Kilburn

—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New Statesmen

There is plenty of material for cycling aficionados … but his story is also of interest to the general reader

—— Lewis Jones , Spectator

Who could resist finding out more about the sideburned new superstar of British cycling

—— Daily Telegraph

Euphoria does not last forever and so the race is always on to ensure that the books is read for those keen to know of to re-live the spine tingling moments of triumph. My Time is not at all the worst of this kind of output. Indeed, it might be among the best...there is plenty of fascinating detail

—— Alison Rudd , The Times

Give sports fans a glimpse into what it takes to win gold

—— Closer

Fascinating...it covers most levels of Wiggins existence – cyclist, team leader, husband, father, son – during the most important years of his life, with the candour that has become his trademark...co-written by Guardian sports writer, William Fotheringham, who helps to tell the story in the direct but eloquent tone that Wiggins watchers will recognise countless radio and television interviews. It is an absorbing read that covers Wiggins’ career from his departure from Garmin to his latest Olympic success. Cycling fans will relish the horse’s mouth accounts of the triumphs they have watched unfold this year, while newcomers to the sport, attracted by the man’s performances this year, both on and off the bike, should find more to enjoy

—— Timothy John , Road Cycling UK

If you love cycling, this makes a very welcome change from the rather saturated market of ‘cyclist doping confessions'

—— Cycling UK

What makes the book special for me is the love of cycling that comes through. His passion for the sport, for its history, his awareness of where he stands in the pantheon of Lycra-clad heroes, and his inability to truly comprehend his achievements all come across in waves. And in typical Wiggins fashion, he doesn’t dodge the difficult bits. He talks openly about the latest drugs scandal and the unwelcome role of moral enforcer which has been forced onto him by his newfound standing as Tour winner

—— Freewheeling France (blog)

A speedy guide to cycling success

—— The Times

Like the man, it’s engaging, modest and likeable, with the section on the Olympics especially fascinating

—— Simon Evans , Choice

An album of fascinating snapshots of Hemingway

—— Simon Shaw , Mail on Sunday

Paul Hendrickson writes with a great deal of passion…

—— Nudge

A terrific and fresh approach to the man

—— Daniel Woodrell , Financial Times
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