‘In the end, it was honours even, although the 90 minutes could not only have a significant bearing on the title race but will affect the mood of offices throughout Greater Manchester all week the Blues no doubt happier again after earning a deserved point against a United side for whom Roy Keane was the best player on the park.
However, for all the rivalry, this was also very much a day in which United followers remembered the stars of yesteryear, those who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958.
An integral part of the club's history, hundreds of fans paid their respects, congregating under the Munich memorial an hour before kick-off to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the tragedy which killed eight Manchester United players, three staff plus officials, journalists, crew members and passengers.
The extremely moving tribute showed that United fans not only still remember some of the greatest talents English football produced but also those who were lost and those whose lives were forever changed.
The singing of the Flowers of Manchester, later played over the tannoy inside the ground, was an emotional moment and one that could be heard walking towards the ground over the Manchester Canal footbridge.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them......we will remember them.
It was a poignant moment before one of football's great occasions - one which was marked by players on both sides wearing black armbands.
Regardless of the result, regardless of all the talking points before and after kick-off, the actions of the club's most loyal followers ensured the Red Flag was flying high. A fitting tribute on a day when passions were running high.’
