By Chris
February 11 2008

Old Trafford paid another fitting tribute to the Busby Babes on Sunday with a perfectly observed minute's silence on derby day. Manchester was united for sixty seconds as fans from both clubs held scarves aloft and stood in absolute silence to pay tribute to the 23. Sadly, the lads on the pitch couldn't put on a display that the Babes would have been proud of as they were beaten 2-1.

Unfortunately, a few exploding fireworks were heard outside the stadium during the silence. It's unknown where the bangs came from but someone has suggested they were part of celebrations for Chinese New Year. Inside the ground, however, the silence was impeccably observed with Sir Alex Ferguson and Sven Goran-Erikkson laying commemorative wreaths either side of the centre spot.

Emotional supporters held bar scarves, stuck to every fan's seat prior to kick-off, aloft as we paid tribute to those heroes who tragically lost their lives half-a-century ago. It was a thoroughly touching occasion and in their plain red jerseys, numbered 1 to 11, United's players looked superb as they lined up for kick-off. City wore kits without sponsors and black arm-bands to help mark the occasion.

For United's support, all that was needed was a performance from Fergie's men that the Busby Babes would have been proud of. Cristiano Ronaldo, prior to kick-off, had promised an all-action display from the Red Devils but the players simply didn't deliver as the visitors produced a thoroughly disciplined and professional showing to take all three-points.

Joe Hart pulled off an excellent early save to deny Ryan Giggs but United's impressive start was soon squashed by City. As the Citizens settled, they started putting some classy moves together and the deadlock was broken on 25 minutes. An organised City side reaped the rewards of their determined approach as Stephen Ireland saw his shot blocked by Edwin van der Sar. Darius Vassell picked up the loose ball and drilled home at the second attempt to send 3,500 travelling fans into ecstasy.

United tried to get back on level terms but City's defence was resolute and Hart was dealing with any feeble effort that the hosts fired forward. The team looked tired and complacent as passes continued to go wayward and City, buoyed by a dogged display from in the middle from Dietmar Hamann, comfortably won the battle in midfield.

Sven's men always looked more likely to score next and they doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Petrov had been a constant threat for City and he delivered a pin-point cross for Benjani who capped a fine debt with an excellent glancing header.

The Reds were deservedly booed off at half-time after a thoroughly gutless 45 minutes that would have left Sir Busby ashamed. The atmosphere was flat - the worst at any Derby game I can remember - and a United comeback looked very unlikely.

We pushed forward a little more after the interval and enjoyed plenty of possession but City's back four, particularly Richard Dunne and Micah Richards, was simply immense. Giggs poked an effort wide but United never looked like scoring until injury-time. Substitute Michael Carrick lashed home a low effort from 18-yards to score perhaps the least celebrated United goal in Manchester derby history.

The strike, however, didn't spark a last-gasp comeback. Howard Webb's full-time whistle blew and the visitors celebrated their first 'double' over United since 1970. Thousands of home fans had already filtered out the exit doors. It was 90 minutes that summed up exactly what is wrong with modern football. United's over-paid pre-Madonnas lacked passion, determination and, most importantly, leadership. It was a thoroughly complacent display that was completely at odds with the standards of Busby's wonder kids who so tragically had their lives cut short.

A fitting tribute off the pitch; but a shambles on it.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 75,970