'We appreciate it': Alex Ferguson praises Manchester City tribute to victims of Munich disaster

The scene of the Munich air crash in 1958

Sir Alex Ferguson today joined Sir Matt Busbys son, Sandy, in thanking City for laying a wreath in Munich to commemorate the 1958 air crash.

The tragedy as United returned from a European Cup tie in Belgrade killed 23 people, including eight of Busbys Babes, club officials and Citys former keeper Frank Swift, who has among journalists on the fatal flight.

City are in Germany for their first ever Champions League away tie against Bayern Munich tonight in the Allianz Arena.

Officials willtoday laying a wreath at the Manchester Platz memorial at the site of the former Riem airport in a Munich suburb where the accident happened.

Reaching across the divide: Manchester City officials to lay wreath at Munich disaster memorial

The Reds and Blues are scrapping neck-and-neck at the top of the Premier League and the rise of Uniteds close rivals has caused friction in recent seasons.

Fergie has had a pop at the Blues for being noisy neighbours and City have been criticised for their Carlos Tevez

Welcome to Manchester PR stunt when the Argentine moved across town from Old Trafford.

Blues fans were condemned last April when they sang songs at Blackburn Rovers referring to United as Munichs. But with the first derby of the season at Old Trafford just over a fortnight away, the new capital of football was a city united in Germany.

City were reluctant to go public with their gesture for fear of being accused of organising a publicity stunt but the wreath- laying tribute was welcomed! at Old Trafford.

It is refreshing. We appreciate that from Manchester City, said United boss Fergie.

It is a good sign that the game is not as bad as sometimes we think.

There is an element of supporters contributing in a different way, which is not nice. But we appreciate what Manchester City are doing. Well done.

Sir Matts son, Sandy, who was on the Reds books with many of the Babes, told M.E.N. Sport: It is a great thought and a marvellous gesture. Whoever at City decided to do it deserves praise and our thanks.

My dad played for City and I know he would have thought it a marvellous gesture by the club.

At the time of Munich, players at both clubs were all great friends and it was an era when fans went to watch City one week and United the next.

As well as losing one of their own in Frank Swift, I know for a fact the City players were very, very upset losing pals from Old Trafford.

Reaching across the divide: Manchester City officials to lay wreath at Munich disaster memorial

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