Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has called on his club's fans to leave behind any tribal tendencies for 60 seconds and respect the minute's silence for the Munich disaster at Old Trafford on Sunday.

City rivals Manchester United have been commemorating the 50th anniversary of the air disaster - which killed 23 people in all, eight of them Red Devils - all week and the derby, which will be contested with both sides wearing traditional unsponsored kits, is a key event.

But much of the pre-match talk has surrounded the planned silence.

Appeals were made to call for a minute's applause instead, but United feel that would be inappropriate and have instead asked for their neighbours' co-operation.

The club have responded with repeated appeals for away fans to honour to moment, with Eriksson adding: "Football is one thing but when people die too early in an extremely bad accident, you have to respect that.

"It doesn't matter if you are wearing a blue shirt or a red shirt or whatever.

"It has nothing to do with football. We have to respect those who were doing the same job as we are doing today.

"It's sad and it should be respected. Don't be a fan for that minute. After that, normal service.

"I really hope our reputation is still very good after the match."

New signing Benjani Mwaruwari, now officially a City player following his on-off move from Portsmouth, should make his debut in the match.

And while he acknowledges the intensity of the occasion, he cannot wait to kick of his career with the Eastlands club.

"I know Manchester United is a big debut so I am excited.

"Everyone is aware of it (the Munich memorial) and we respect that but in terms of football we will try and beat them," said the 29-year-old Zimbabwe striker.

"We must go there, try hard and give as much as possible to get some points. This is a team with big quality and I hope to fit well with them.

"I am confident that playing with good players you must score goals.

"Every player wishes to play for a big club. I enjoyed my time (at Portsmouth) but in life and in football you have to move on."

One of Benjani's new team-mates, England defender Micah Richards, yesterday pledged his future to Eriksson' side for another five-and-a-half years, thus ending intense speculation over his future.

He said: "I've always wanted to be at this club and signing this five-and-a-half-year contract shows that," said Richards, who is believed to have negotiated vastly improved terms after reported interest from Chelsea.

"It puts all the speculation to bed.

"I can concentrate on the rest of the season now."

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