The surviving "Busby Babes" from the Munich air disaster have urged their Manchester United heirs not to be distracted by paying tribute on the pitch 50 years on.
Man United was ripped apart in the Munich air disaster in 1958, thwarting a likely European Cup title for Matt Busby's swashbuckling side. But the current Red Devils team has been told not to lose focus ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow.
"I would never put pressure on these players," said Bobby Charlton, who delivered a history lesson to the United squad in January. "They have their own careers and Munich is a long time ago.
"It wouldn't be fair to put total responsibility on them to win the Champions League to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragedy."
Twenty-three people, including eight players, died as United's plane crashed in a snowstorm following a refueling stop amid the celebrations of ousting Red Star Belgrade in the European Cup quarterfinals.
The Feb 6. anniversary was marked with an emotional gathering of survivors and current players at Old Trafford. Instead of providing an motivational boost, Ferguson's team lost 2-1 just days later to crosstown rival Manchester City after wearing retro red jerseys.
"I don't want to burden today's players with what happened many years ago and jump on the bandwagon _ that would be very wrong," said Harry Gregg, the Northern Ireland goalkeeper who dragged passengers from the smoldering wreckage. "When I went across for the anniversary, I came home the following day. I did not go to the derby game.
"The link between the current players and what happened at the time showed on the day in the performance."
The defeat to Man City left the Red Devils five points behind leader Arsenal, but Ferguson told his players to replicate the fighting spirit of Busby's grieving team and they bounced back to claim a second straight Premier League title last week.
Ferguson wants the buoyant mood to endure on the trip to the Russian capital as he chases a second European Cup.
"I think it weighed heavily on our shoulders on the day we played Manchester City. I think the minute's silence was killer, for our players' emotions got to them," the 22-season United veteran said. "Fortunately for the final, there's a terrific buildup and more of a carnival atmosphere. It won't affect us this time."
Despite twice being read his last rites, Busby recovered to lead United to European Cup glory 10 years later against Benfica at Wembley. The trophy didn't return to Old Trafford until Ferguson's side snatched a dramatic injury-time victory against Bayern Munich in 1999.
Ferguson predicts fate might see United prosper Wednesday in Luzniki Stadium _ 50 years after tragedy and 40 years after the initial European triumph.
Striker Wayne Rooney recognizes the importance of history, but wants to enjoy his first European final.
"The Champions League is very important with the history involved in the club _ 50 years ago being Munich and 40 years ago being the first win," Rooney said. "So, it will be good for the club and good for ourselves.
"I don't think it will be a burden, we just need to go out there and try and enjoy ourselves. If we enjoy playing, I'm sure we will do well. If we go out there thinking a bit negative then it becomes harder for ourselves."
Charlton and Gregg have been invited to join United's official trip to Russia, along with other survivors Bill Foulkes, Albert Scanlon and Kenny Morgans.
"I look at United and see a group of very talented and very hungry players," Gregg said. "You need those abilities to be successful at United and I wish them all the luck in the world."
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