MANCHESTER UNITED and Sheffield United paid tribute to England legend Sir Bobby Charlton with a minute’s silence ahead of their Premier League clash at Bramall Lane.
The Man Utd icon passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 86 after a battle with dementia.
Less than four hours after his death had been announced, his old club and Sheffield United took to the pitch for Saturday’s evening kick off – which United won 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot.
And they honoured Sir Bobby’s incredible legacy with a moment of silence before kick-off.
It was observed respectfully by all those inside Bramall Lane as emotional away fans paid tribute to one of their own.
Supporters of the Manchester giants were heard chanting the name of Sir Bobby Charlton before kick off too.
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Man Utd released a statement on their website that read: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
“He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.”
Sheffield United also shared a similar statement of their own on social media.
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Sir Bobby is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or later that year.
He scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
He spent almost all of his playing career at Man Utd and was renowned for his passing and long-range shots.
Sir Bobby survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 that killed eight of his team-mates.
His wife Lady Norma revealed the star’s battle with dementia in November 2020 in a bid to “help others”.
The sad news furthered calls to investigate the link between football and dementia more vigorously.
A statement from Charlton’s family read: “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.”
Tributes poured in from the likes of former England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker, Gary Neville and Eric Cantona.
Hurst is now the only living member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning side.
Man United star McTominay spoke to Sky Sports and was visibly emotional as he spoke about the loss of Sir Bobby.
He said: “It’s devastating to be honest with you, he was an icon at the football club and all over the world. Everyone knew him from being a legend of the game and, more importantly, such an incredible guy as well.
“He’s done so much for the club over the years and everyone is going into this game tonight thinking of him.
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“He paved the way for people like myself, Marcus [Rashford] and Jesse [Lingard] who came through the Academy. So for us especially, feeling what he’s done at this football club, it’s difficult. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at this time.
“It’s difficult but the game is going ahead and we have to do it for Sir Bobby. He was an icon and a legend all around the world in football terms. My mum is obviously devastated and everyone who has grown up watching him over the years has just got to thank him really for everything he’s done for the game.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
