MANCHESTER UNITED fans gathered outside Old Trafford this evening to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
He was one of the greatest players to ever represent Man Utd and England.
The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford tonight for the first time since Sir Bobby’s passing.
And hundreds of fans gathered at the stadium hours before kick-off to pay tribute to the club legend.
Flowers, scarves and photographs were placed around the iconic United Trinity statue ahead of the Champions League match against Copenhagen.
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The club also gave fans the opportunity to sign a book of condolence.
United paid tribute to Sir Bobby just before kick-off, with a minute’s silence observed.
Erik ten Hag carried a wreath to the centre circle alongside Man Utd Under-19’s captain Dan Gore and Alex Stepney, a former team-mate of Sir Bobby.
Both United and Copenhagen fans then chanted “there’s only one Bobby Charlton” in unison while the visiting supporters held up a banner reading: “Passion is what separates the good from the great. Rest in peace Sir Bobby Charlton”.
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Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold also placed a wreath on the 1966 World Cup hero’s seat in the Director’s Box with a card that read: “Loved. Adored. Never forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United family.”
Sir Geoff Hurst led tributes following the announcement of Sir Bobby’s death on Saturday.
He tweeted: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
“A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
Ex-England captain Gary Lineker hailed Sir Bobby as the greatest English footballer in history.
He wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
“A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
And United icon Gary Neville shared his own tribute, writing: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
“The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
“A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
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The Red Devils paid tribute to Sir Bobby prior to their Premier League match against Sheffield United at the weekend by observing a minute of silence before kick-off.
And club captain Bruno Fernandes laid a flower wreath in the centre circle at Bramall Lane with a card that read: “In loving memory of Sir Bobby.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
