MANCHESTER UNITED’S stars arrived at Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United just hours after learning the news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death.
The club legend tragically passed away aged 86 this morning after a battle with dementia.
GettyBruno Fernandes led his team into Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United[/caption]
GettyMarcus Rashford was among those pictured upon arrival[/caption]
GettyErik ten Hag will manage the team on an emotional night[/caption]
GettySir Bobby Charlton died aged 86 on Saturday morning[/caption]
A family statement was released publicly at 4pm, confirming Charlton had sadly died after an incredible life and career.
And just a few hours later, the Red Devils team arrived at Sheffield United for their Premier League clash away at the team bottom of the league.
Charlton scored a staggering 249 goals in 758 Manchester United appearances – bettered only by Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs respectively.
He was part of the Busby Babes, surviving the Munich air disaster then leading them to European Cup glory.
For England, he was a key player in the team that won the 1966 World Cup on home soil.
Charlton’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Simon Thomas choked up as he announced the news during the half-times on Soccer Saturday.
The TV host was clearly moved as he said: “It’s one of those moments that you kind of knew was coming at some point but it is the moment that has so sadly arrived in the last few minutes.
“It’s a statement that comes from the family of the Manchester United, the England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
“We have seen an absolute giant, a true giant of the game departs football’s stage. A simply magical, wonderful player. A wonderful man as well.”
Geoff Hurst, the final survivor of England’s 1966 World Cup team, led the massive wave of tributes on social media.
He wrote: “Very sad news today – one of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football.
Scott McTominay will hope to add to his goals against BrentfordGetty
Andre Onana starts in goal for the Red Devils in YorkshireGetty
GettyRaphael Varane was named among the substitutes[/caption]
GettyChristian Eriksen was greeted by fans in the dark[/caption]
“A great colleague and friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family and friends from Geoff and Judith.”
Gary Neville paid his own personal tribute ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal.
The former Red Devils right-back said: “Manchester United’s greatest representative around the world for 50, 60 years.
“In the more modern era, a director at the club. He used to come into the dressing room after every single match – win, lose or draw.
“Something when I was a player at the club you might take for granted, an icon a legend would be walking around the changing room saying, ‘Well done,’ or offering his commiserations and trying to pick you up if you’d lost a game.
“It’s obviously a great loss today but I have no doubt that he is English football’s greatest player and ambassador and a champion on and off the pitch.
“The way he spoke about the club was incredible.
“He was the constant through the golden thread linking Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.”
PA:Empics SportCharlton is regarded as one of the greatest English footballers ever[/caption]
He scored 249 goals in 758 Red Devils appearancesRex
PAFlowers and scarves have been laid at Old Trafford[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
