Ferguson: 'Munich anniversary will inspire Reds'
Alex Ferguson believes this week’s 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster will provide an extra motivation to his players in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
A minute’s silence will be held before the match between the two Manchester clubs, the climax of a series of events to mark the air crash in which 23 people died, and Ferguson said the past week and a service on Wednesday had reinforced the “greatness” of the club.
Ferguson also called on the 3,000 City fans due to come to the game to respect the period of silence.
“I hope it is a motivation for the players, absolutely,” said Ferguson. “It is a responsibility for them to do well on Sunday.
“It’s a big day for the club. There was some apprehension before this week hoping it all went smoothly, and I was proud of all the staff, the balance was fantastic.
“I have always been proud to be manager of this club and on Wednesday I was even prouder and it made me realise I was the manager of one of the greatest clubs of all time.
“It was fantastic how the older players paraded their affection for the club.
“I hope we win the game and put in a very good performance and I think it goes hand in hand with the memory of the Munich disaster.
“They had so many young players then who were so exciting and I think the young players we have these days are equally exciting, doing the same things Manchester United have done in the past.”
Both teams will be wearing special shirts to commemorate the crash, in which eight United players died, as well as former City keeper Frank Swift, who was working as a sports reporter.
“I just hope City fans listen to their own club and make sure it is a game we all want to remember,” added Ferguson.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side triumphed 1-0 at home early this season – Ferguson said he is still stunned United lost – but it is 1974 since they won at Old Trafford, and 1970 since they did the double over their rivals.
“We have an excellent home record against them but one thing you have to remember is in a derby anything can happen,” said Ferguson.
“Football can do these things to you, can surprise you and amaze you and can produce miracles. Hopefully it doesn’t happen on Sunday.
“It was an amazing result earlier in the season – when my players came off I said ’well done’ as the performance was excellent but they lost 1-0, and City had had one strike at goal.”
With United two points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, and Chelsea breathing down their necks, Ferguson expects the matches between the three clubs to decide the destiny of the title.
He added: “Points will be dropped by us, Chelsea and Arsenal – it may be the games against each other that are decisive, but we are in a good position.”
Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are suspended for United and with Louis Saha (knee) still injured Ferguson is short of strikers and may even look to 17-year-old Danny Welbeck, who has been brought into the senior squad for the rest of the season, to play a part against Manchester City.
Gary Neville (ankle) is back in training but will not be return to action for a couple of weeks.
