Red Empire: The World That the Busby Babes Built

On February 6, 1958, the Munich Air Disaster never happened. The plane lifted—barely—and the Busby Babes lived. In this alternate timeline, Manchester United’s golden generation survives to fulfill its destiny, led by the towering Duncan Edwards. What follows is not recovery, but reign: European glory arrives early, George Best thrives under mentorship, and England’s World Cup victory in 1966 becomes Edwards’ crowning moment. Pelé finds a rival, not in bitterness, but in brilliance. This is the story of how one spared flight reshaped football—and how the Red Empire came to rule the world.

Introduction

The 1958 European Cup Semi-Final and Final

Manchester United: 1958–1960 — The Rise of the Red Phoenix

1961–1964: Glory, Struggles, and the Reawakening of the Red Giants

1964–1966: Doubt, Challenge, and the Road to Redemption

1966 World Cup: Duncan Edwards — When Football Became Art

1966-1968: From Fallen Stars to Rising Legends

1971: The Last Dance — When Legends Embraced