Man United confident Man City fans will respect minutes applause for Sir Bobby

Manchester United are confident that tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton at the Manchester derby will not be marred by rivalry between the two sets of fans.

A solemn minute’s silence will be held at Old Trafford before United face FC Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight, and the club have announced that a minute’s applause will take place before the home game against Manchester City on Sunday.

However, United have dismissed suggestions that it is designed to drown out any offensive behaviour after City were forced to apologise to Charlton’s family over a video of their fans joining in a sick chant at the Etihad last weekend.

After that game against Brighton, City said in a statement: ‘The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United.

‘On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.’

While United were disappointed at the chants, the club recognise it was only a very small minority.

The current squad and United legends including Gary Neville and Brian Kidd paid emotional tirbutes to Sir Bobby this week

United opened their book of condolence to the public on Sunday following their Premier League win over Sheffield United the previous evening and thousands of supporters flocked to the club's stadium to pay their respects.

Brian Kidd and Paddy Crerand, who won the European Cup alongside Sir Bobby in 1968, were at Old Trafford on Monday to share their memories of the United and England icon.

Wes Brown and Gary Neville, products of United's youth academy with over 900 appearances for the club between them, also showed their appreciation for Sir Bobby and everything he contributed to the club over the years.