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MANCHESTER -- Jose Mourinho and Michael Carrick have taken part in a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. More than 4,500 Manchester United supporters attended the memorial in falling snow at Old Trafford with more watching on a big screen on the forecourt outside. They were joined by Mourinho and club captain Carrick, who laid wreaths to remember the 23 casualties of the crash, including eight of United's "Busby Babes." Survivors Sir Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg were also present for the 40-minute service while former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and director Michael Edelson gave readings. Gregg, 85, was at United's Carrington training ground earlier in the day to meet Mourinho and the first-team squad, who were also in attendance at the service. Other guests included FIFA president Gianni Infantino; Mike Summerbee, representing Manchester City; and Kenny Dalglish, representing Liverpool. There were also representatives from Sheffield Wednesday, United's first opponents after the incident, and Bishop Auckland, who loaned players to the club in the aftermath. As part of the memorial, a minute's silence was held at 3:04 p.m., the exact time of the crash. United players Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor died in the accident, as well as three members of club staff. Eight journalists and four other passengers also lost their lives. United played Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after the tragedy, winning 3-0. A passage from chairman Harold Hardman published in the programme that day was read out by club chaplain Rev. John Boyers, who led the service. "Although we mourn our dead and grieve for our wounded, we believe that our great days are not done for us," it read. "The road back may be long and hard but with the memory of those who died at Munich, of their stirring achievements and wounded sportsmanship ever with us." Plenty of former United players also paid their respects on social media, including ex-England captain David Beckham who posted: "We Never Forget.'' United defender Chris Smalling described the "Busby Babes" as his "inspiration'' while Ashley Young urged fans earlier in the day to remember those who had died. Young went on to post on Twitter: "The Munich Air Disaster is something I was always aware of growing up but in truth I didn't understand its influence on @ManUtd until I joined the club. "You still sing about Sir Matt Busby and about playing football 'the Busby way.' We have a duty to keep that spirit alive and keep making you proud to support this team.'' Two of the club's former defenders, Ronny Johnsen and Gary Neville, also reflected on the tragedy, with the latter posting a video of Tracey Malone singing "The Flowers of Manchester." The Professional Footballers' Association posted: "Today, on the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, we remember those that tragically lost their lives. "They will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with those affected by the disaster. £FlowersofManchester.'' Bayern Munich also paid their respect in a lengthy post, which began: "Exactly 60 years have passed since the Munich air disaster -- the biggest tragedy in Manchester United's long history, but the memory of those lost lives on.'' British Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking at an event elsewhere in the city, also acknowledged the disaster. "Today marks an important and sombre anniversary in the history of this great city," she said. "Sixty years ago today, the Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. The crew, journalists and, of course, the talented footballers who died that day will never be forgotten." Information from the Press Association was used in this report.
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