MANCHESTER (AFP) - Alex Ferguson has made one final plea to Manchester City supporters to show respect for the Munich victims in Sunday's potentially volatile Manchester derby meeting at Old Trafford.

Months of deliberation and discussions have taken place between the rival clubs about how best to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster, which claimed 23 lives, including those of eight United players from the 'Busby Babes' squad.

United officials have decided to hold a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of the dead, amid fears that a minority of City's 3,000 fans in attendance could ruin the gesture.

"I don't think there will be any problem with our fans," said the United manager.

"I am just hoping City fans listen to their own club and make it a game for us all to remember. That's very, very important.

"There has been a lot of speculation about Man City fans and how they are going to behave. I think the club themselves has done their very best to ensure it is a peaceful day and we can enjoy a good game of football without any disruptions to it."

The eagerly-anticipated meeting with City comes at the end of an emotionally charged week for United which saw a high-profile Munich memorial event staged at Old Trafford on Wednesday, exactly 50 years after the crash.

"It has been a big week for the club," said Ferguson. "Before all the events, there was a bit of apprehension, hoping it would all go smoothly. I was absolutely proud of all the staff and how they handled the whole thing.

"I've always been proud to manage this club but on Wednesday I was even prouder. I realised I am manager of one of the greatest clubs of all time."

That event behind him, Ferguson can now concentrate upon football, and attempting to maintain United's record of not losing to City at Old Trafford since 1974 while avenging an early season defeat at their Eastlands base.

"We have an excellent record against them at home," said Ferguson. "And, hopefully, that continues for the next 20 years! But the one thing you know about derby games is that anything can happen.

"The first game, at City, earlier this season was an amazing result. The players came in after the game and I said well done, because their performance was excellent - and we had lost 1-0!"

Ferguson is without suspended Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra against City and will delay naming his line-up until he has assessed the fitness of his players involved in midweek international duty.

City are without key play-maker Elano and Vedran Corluka due to bans but new signing Benjani could make his debut and their manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who revealed Micah Richards will sign a contract extension "any day", had a similar message for his team's fans.

He said: "We want them to use common sense. Football is one thing but when people die young in an extremely bad accident you have to respect that it doesn't matter if you're wearing a blue shirt of a red shirt.

"It was sad and it should be respected. Don't be a fan for that minute. After that, be a fan again."

Eriksson added: "It has been a long time since 1974 but nothing is impossible in football. It will be very difficult and I'm sure they remember losing at the start of the season and they won't want to lose twice against us.

"It's a good opportunity to show that the season isn't finished for us."

A victory will put United back on top of the table for at least the 24 hours before Arsenal, currently two points clear, entertain Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium.