Manchester derbies are always emotional occasions. But last Wednesday’s 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash, which ripped the heart out of the exciting young team assembled by Sir Matt Busby, gives Saturday’s clash between United and City extra poignancy.

It is a big game in its own right, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men vie again for the Premiership title they regained in May and Sven-Göran Eriksson’s strive for a European competition slot.