Louis van Gaal has paid tribute to the victims of the Munich Air Disaster, and believes his Manchester United team follow in the footsteps of Sir Matt Busby's team by playing an attractive brand of football.
The Dutchman marked the 57th anniversary of the crash in Germany, which claimed the lives of 23 people, by laying a wreath at the Munich memorial at Old Trafford.
Eight United players from the free-scoring 'Busby Babes' were among those killed in 1958, including captain Roger Byrne and Duncan Edwards, who was regarded as a potential all-time great.
Van Gaal marvelled at the way the Busby Babes are still remembered more than half a century later, and said he was honoured to play his part in the ceremony.
The Dutchman told his pregame news conference on Friday: "I represent the club nowadays as a manager and I represent my group of players. There was a group of players who had given a lot of joy to the people at that time.
"They have played a part in the history of this club and I think we have to remember that always. They have a big influence still."
Van Gaal quoted from Pete Martin's reading at the ceremony, saying: "You are the strength and inspiration for those who play their roles today."
He continued: "That is me and the players. I was happy I was there because of this and also the impression the people give to me that I was there. I think we have made the right decision to be there out of respect for the players and Matt Busby and what he left.
"I think it was impressive for all the people who were there but also for me. It is now 57 years ago and still the people are coming and still we remember."
Martin's poem included the line: "We look for flair and pace and passion, to play the game United's way."
And while Van Gaal's football has been criticised at times this season, he feels he has a team in keeping with the club's traditions.
"Yes, I think so because it is not a question of playing with wingers or without wingers or with three or four defenders," he explained. "No, it is the playing style which is attractive.
"I think we have a very good defensive organisation but also a very good attacking organisation. We are fourth in the league for scoring goals and also fourth for defensive way of playing [goals conceded]. I don't think we are very bad. We are very good but we can improve."
United go to West Ham on Sunday and Van Gaal said they are only without one injured player, the former Hammer Michael Carrick.