Manchester unites in grief to remember the dead of Munich 50 years on

Half a century to the minute since BEA Flight 609 ZU crashed on take-off from Munich Airport, the club marked the anniversary of their passing with a memorial service at Old Trafford.

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Solemn day: Munich air crash survivor Sir Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford for the memorial service

There was a solemn atmosphere inside the stadium's Manchester Suite as survivors, football and civic dignitaries and invited guests arrived to pay their respects.

Outside on Sir Matt Busby Way, where a clock stopped at 3.04pm commemorates the events of February 6, 1958, thousands gathered to add their support and lay flowers.

Dudley's home boy: The town's statue of Munich victim Duncan Edwards

Many wore modern day shirts with the legend Munich 58 emblazoned on the back, while others sported the late Duncan Edwards' number six jersey.

The service was led by club chaplain the Reverend John Boyers and the order of service included a message from Prince Charles.

One of the early arrivals was former keeper Alex Stepney, a schoolboy of 15 at the time of the tragedy.

He said: "It's a sad day, but also a day to remember.

"I am very humble, I was 15 at the time and I remember how shocked everyone was.

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Young Munich fans remember the dead of the plane crash in their city 50 years ago

"Little did I think or dream then that I would play for the team when they won the European Cup in 1968."

The tragedy happened as the United party returned to England from a 3-3 European Cup draw in Belgrade which had secured their passage to the semi-finals.

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Huge crowds gathered at Old Trafford for the Munich memorial service

Eight United players died - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam "Billy" Whelan and, 15 days later, Duncan Edwards - as a result of the injuries they suffered in the crash.

Three members of the club's staff, eight journalists, two of the flight crew and two other passengers also died.

Busby and Charlton were among the injured, but eventually returned to spearhead a remarkable recovery which saw the club claim the league title and the European Cup within a decade.

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Gary Neville lit 23 candles at Old Trafford - one for everyone who died at Munich

Just after 3pm, fans outside the ground fell silent as the service inside began. The names of the 23 victims were read out before a minute's silence was held.

After the minute's silence, the crowds around the memorial stone broke into thunderous applause and cheering before again chanting the fans' anthem, The Red Flag and We Love United, We Do.

Underneath a huge poster on the East Stand, the final poignant photo of the Busby Babes team as they lined up before the last match, ordinary supporters paid their own tributes.

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Sir Bobby Charlton and wife Lady Norma arrive at Old Trafford today

Paul Maddocks, 52, from Chorlton-cum-Hardy, a Red Devils' fan since the 1960s, brought eight red carnations, one for each of the players killed.

He said: "Forgetting the football side for a moment, the ages and families who lost brothers and sons and fathers, it must have been tragic.

"To lose young people in their 20s is always tragic, especially with the gift they were blessed with, they could have brought untold entertainment to people over the years."

Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge speaks in Munich today

Pat Geraci, 62, from Manchester, said: "My husband brought me here on our first date. We've been married for 40 years. United are special to me. It used to be wonderful watching a team with Charlton, Law and Best.

"I just want to come and show my respects. Just think if Duncan Edwards would have lived, we would have won that European Cup."

Derek Taylor, 66, from Bolton, a fan since 1955, also carried flowers and a remembrance card with the words from The Flowers Of Manchester, a poem and song in tribute to the victims.

Mr Taylor, then 17, was working for a local newspaper as a copy runner, taking breaking news information from a teleprinter, on the day of the crash. "I took the copy to say the aeroplane had crashed," he said.

"I was totally devastated. It was just unbelievable, like losing one of your family.

"When I first met Duncan Edwards, he used to come to Old Trafford on a bike. When they realised their value had gone up, the club told them they had to come on a bus!

"Sir Matt Busby used to turn up in his car, put his arm around my shoulder and ask 'How's my team playing for me?'. He was like a granddad for the fans. I come here every year on this day to pay my respects."