Erik ten Hag and several members of the Manchester United squad have paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, following the passing of the club great at the age of 86.
Charlton is regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players and formed part of the team that won the club’s first European Cup in 1968, scoring twice in the final win over Benfica.
The midfielder – who was also named winner of the Ballon d’Or after helping England to World Cup success in 1966 – scored 249 goals in 758 games for the Red Devils, the former a club record that stood until 2017 when Wayne Rooney broke Charlton’s landmark.
“Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren,” current Manchester United manager Ten Hag told Match of the Day.
“What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man.
“We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.”
Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot also paid tribute to Charlton: “First and foremost it is a really sad day. We obviously found out this afternoon and preparing for a game it hit us hard,” Maguire said to Sky Sports.
“Sir Bobby came into the dressing room a lot and he lit the place up. He is an absolute legend of the club. We are delighted to win the game but this is more than football and our thoughts are with his family.
“He’d always come in if we won or lost but his presence was really felt in the dressing room. You’d always see him around the club. We will miss him, the world will miss him.”
Dalot, who scored the winner at Sheffield United on Saturday, said the sad news spurred his side on to a win at Bramall Lane.
“When we came to the game we wanted to contribute a little more. I felt with the win we gave a little bit of joy on a sad day.”
“This is the contribution we could have today and give to the family. We are one family at United.”
