Sven-Göran Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, will make a plea to the club’s supporters to respect a minute’s silence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster before their derby match against Manchester United on February 10.

The clubs have worked together extensively over arrangements to mark the anniversary of the disaster on February 6, 1958, in which eight United players and several club officials were killed. The decision to hold a minute’s silence, as opposed to a minute’s applause, was taken despite fears that some City fans may interrupt it, but the club have asked Eriksson to plead with them to honour the victims.

In his letter, which will be included in a commemorative brochure to each of the 3,000 away fans at Old Trafford, Eriksson writes: “The 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster will be marked with a special commemoration. Many supporters will be aware that Manchester City lost one of our own in the tragedy, goalkeeper Frank Swift [who was a journalist for the News of the World at the time of the disaster]. Twenty-two players, staff and journalists also lost their lives.

“We ask that all supporters uphold the good name of Manchester City and respectfully support the commemorations, which will also be attended by friends and family of the victims, including Frank Swift’s family. Thank you for your support.”

United have been granted permission to wear a specially commissioned 1950s-style kit for the game – devoid of all logos and branding – as a one-off tribute to the “Busby Babes”.