Fergie calls for performance
09 Feb 2008 - 14:25:56
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players that they have a responsibility to perform in Sunday's Manchester derby in honour of those who died in the Munich air disaster.
The Old Trafford club held a poignant memorial service on Tuesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy which claimed the lives of eight of Sir Matt Busby's exciting young team.
The modern-day United face Manchester City on Sunday and Ferguson has pressed on his players the need to produce a fitting performance.
"We hope it's a motivation, absolutely," he said. "I think the players have got a responsibility on Sunday to do well. They always have, but the expectation levels may be a bit higher on Sunday.
"We have to be aware it's a derby game and stay focused on playing. Every game's a must-win.
"We're going for a league title, that makes every game a must-win, regardless of who we're playing.
"We have a good home record in general, but it is particularly good against Manchester City.
"But we do know in derby games that anything can happen. The first game earlier this season was an amazing result. I'm saying to my players 'well done', when we've lost 1-0.
"City had one strike at goal that was deflected, but that's football. It can do these things to you.
"It can produce miracles and you just have to accept it can happen. Hopefully it doesn't happen Sunday."