Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

United opt for silence

22 Jan 2008 - 13:24:26

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Manchester United insist they will not change their plans to hold a minute's silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

United are scheduled to play local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on February 10 and City's supporters club had pleaded with the Premier League leaders to opt for a minute's applause rather than 60 seconds' silence.

However, United's communications director Phil Townsend told the club's official website: "Manchester United have given great thought to the best way of remembering those who died at Munich. We feel a minute's silence is the most appropriate way of paying tribute.

"We do not feel that applause is appropriate given that 23 people died."

Kevin Parker, the general secretary of City's supporters' club, had sent a letter sent to United which said: "We plead with Manchester United to change from the proposed minute's silence to a minute's applause to allow all true football fans a chance to show their respects.

"In this way any idiots who do not share these views will be drowned out rather than highlighted."