Manchester United given the go-ahead for their 'Munich' shirt

United have been criticised in the past for 'exploiting' supporters by constantly changing their home and away shirts.

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But the strip to be worn by Sir Alex Ferguson's players when they face Manchester City at Old Trafford on February 10 — four days after the anniversary — will not be sold to the public and will not even be photographed before the game in a bid to stop replicas being produced.

The Premier League have given United permission to wear the shirt even though it will contravene regulations by not carrying their Barclays logo, not having the names of the players on the back and not carrying squad numbers.

United chief executive David Gill said last night: 'It is a heavy responsibility that those of us who work for this great club and live and work in this magnificent city have to show respect, admiration and regret over that loss five decades ago.

'The sincere thanks of the club go to the Premier League for allowing us to mark the event in a unique way.'

A total of 23 players, staff and journalists lost their lives when the plane carrying Sir Matt Busby's squad home from a European Cup game in Belgrade crashed on take-off after refuelling at Munich airport on February 6, 1958.

United have been working with the families of those who lost their lives to find the best way to mark the tragedy next year. The centrepiece of the commemorations will be the creation of a free, permanent exhibition which will tell the story of the Busby Babes.

A memorial service for survivors and relatives of those who died will also be held at Old Trafford on February 6, timed to coincide with the exact moment in 1958 that the plane crashed.

Meanwhile, Ferguson last night reiterated his desire to deliver more Champions League glory to United.

Speaking at the opening of an exhibition in his honour at the club's museum at Old Trafford, Ferguson said: 'I'd love to win it again. It's ridiculous that this club has only won it twice. We are made for European Cups and we have a chance this year.'

Ferguson, who recently celebrated 21 years at United and turns 66 on New Year's Eve, pinpointed Eric Cantona as the player who perhaps did more than any other to kick-start his glorious era at the club.

'He was the charismatic figure that this club needed — and he had a great belief that United was his destiny,' said Ferguson.

Another ex-United player, Denis Law, who also played for City, was yesterday at an event to mark the staging of next year's UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Law believes that the current City side will prosper under Sven Goran Eriksson and the United trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez can match the feats of the 'holy trinity' of Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best.

'Apart from being up there near the top, City are playing good football. It's great to see them up there,' said Law. 'At United it's great to see such exciting players. These three (Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez) have the potential to emulate our achievements in the 1960s.'