Eriksson praises City players and fans

Updated 12.43 Mon Feb 11 2008

Keywords: manchester united, munich disaster, sven-goran eriksson, manchester city, premier league, football, sport

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson praised his players and the club's fans after the 2-1 win at Manchester United.

After weeks of discussion and fears that a minute's silence might be disrupted by City fans, the travelling supporters were praised for joining their rivals in a tribute to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

"Everyone who belongs to City must be proud of what our fans did here" - Sven-Goran Eriksson

Then City responded to the emotional occasion by opening a 2-0 lead, with Darius Vassell and new signing Benjani Mwaruwari both scoring.

Michael Carrick pulled a goal back for United, but the goal came too late to help them salvage anything from the game.

Eriksson said: "I am extremely proud of our team. If you go to Old Trafford and win you deserve it but everyone who belongs to City, players, officials, must be proud of what our fans did here. Their behaviour was fantastic. And I am extremely honoured to be the club's manager.

"I have never been involved in a ceremony like that before, it was a very nice experience to be able to pay our respects. The two teams together, and all the fans, absolutely silent for one minute. It was beautiful."