Van Gaal's Munich Tribute

Louis van Gaal has paid a poignant tribute to those lost in the Munich air crash, on the 57th anniversary of that fateful day in 1958.

The Manchester United manager joined hundreds of fans who attended an annual memorial service at Old Trafford on Friday and laid a wreath beneath the commemorative plaque. During his weekly press conference, van Gaal then quoted lyrics from The Pride of Football, one of two songs that were sung at the emotional gathering.

"I represent the club nowadays as a manager and I represent my group of players," the boss explained to reporters. "There were a lot of players who had given a lot of joy to the people at that time [in 1958]. They have played a big part in the history of this club and I think we have to remember that always.

"There were men who were singing [at the service] and I was very impressed. I want to read [words from the song] to you. That is also the big influence that they have still now. It was in the last sentences, 'You are the strengths and inspirations for those who play your roles today' - that's me and the players, and you as journalists. You play your part. 'We look for pace and passion to play the game United's way'. I was happy that I was there because of this and also the impression of what the people gave to me when I was there. We made the right decision to be there out of respect for the players, Sir Matt Busby and what he left."