Manchester United fans gather at first Munich memorial service since the pandemic began

Manchester United fans today gathered once again to remember and pay their respects to those killed in the Munich Air disaster.

It is the first time since 2020 that the traditional annual memorial ceremony took place with pandemic restrictions meaning it was not possible to hold the event last year.

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However this afternoon, on the 64th anniversary of the air crash which saw 23 people including eight United players lose their lives, hundreds of Reds' supporters gathered underneath the memorial at Old Trafford.

The service, described by the club as being "by the fans, for the fans" was co-ordinated by supporters' group Munich58 with former club chaplain the Reverend John Boyers acting as master of ceremonies.

The names of all those who died were read out, before a two-minute's silence at 3:04pm, the exact time that the plane crashed on February 6, 1958.

The service also included a number of poems and songs, including a rendition of The Flowers of Manchester.

Former United defender Wes Brown was among those present and laid a wreath.

Whilst a number of the club's young academy players were also involved in the service.

Up to 1,000 people are said to have gathered on Old Trafford's East Stand forecourt with many fans wearing shirts and scarves bearing the names of players who lost their lives.

Those not able to attend in person were also able to watch and follow the service online via the club wesbite.

The darkest day in United's history occurred as the club travelled back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia with the flight bringing the players, club staff and journalists home stopping in Munich,