Old Trafford legend Bobby Charlton remembered as Man United beat Sheffield United in Premier League
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes lays a floral wreath for the late Bobby Charlton before the Premier League match against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
LONDON – On a solemn day for Manchester United after the death of Bobby Charlton,
The Red Devils clinched a 2-1 English Premier League win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot.
“Fantastic, of course we have to say our big goodbye remembering Bobby Charlton because what he did (for the club) was magnificent,” ten Hag said.
“We spoke about this before the game, he was outstanding not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. To credit it and reward his big personality, we did it with a win and we did it in a decent way.”
Oli McBurnie had equalised for the home side but when Dalot scored the 77th-minute winner with a brilliant strike from 25 yards out, the United fans in the away end rose to their feet chanting “There’s only one Bobby Charlton!”
“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,” the Portuguese fullback told Sky Sports.
“This is the contribution we could have today and give to the family. We are one family at United.”
Both teams’ players came out in black armbands after news of Charlton’s death at 86, and fans held up signs and jerseys bearing his name, while a picture of the former attacking midfielder was also displayed on a giant screen.
A Manchester United fan displays a Bobby Charlton shirt in the stands before the match following his death.
PHOTO: REUTERS
United captain Bruno Fernandes carried out a wreath and placed it on the Bramall Lane pitch during pre-game introductions, with a tribute reading: “In loving memory of Sir Bobby Charlton, a great player and even greater man. With deepest gratitude for your service, from everyone at Manchester United.”
There were, however, a smattering of boos from Sheffield fans when Charlton’s death was announced, and a minute’s silence for both Charlton and those affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza turned into a minute of applause.
Defender Harry Maguire said hearing about Charlton’s death had dampened the mood during the team’s game preparations.
“Sir Bobby came into the dressing room a lot and he lit the place up,” he said. “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. We will miss him, the world will miss him.”
Ten Hag, echoing the thoughts of Maguire, added that the news hit the team hard.
“Our thoughts are with his family especially his wife Lady Norma, his children, his grandchildren,” the manager said.
“I think with his passing, (it is) a legend, a giant passing away, his achievements are so immense and huge, not only in England but global.
“(What) he achieved, it’s incredible, all those games, his titles, trophies... and despite all his trophies and games, he was so humble and a big personality, he was an example for all of us.”
Charlton was a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, playing alongside his brother Jack, and he made 758 appearances for United, scoring 249 goals.
“It’s not only Manchester United who will miss him,” said Sheffield boss Paul Heckingbottom.
“English football and football around the world will be remembering stories about him and games of his that they have seen over the next few days.”
On Sunday, fans turned up in force at Old Trafford to pen their tributes in a book of condolence, with some laying flowers and scarves by Charlton’s statue.
REUTERS, AFP
