Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen for his side to win their first home game since the death of Sir Bobby Charlton and believes Tuesday’s visit to Copenhagen will be “emotional”.
Club legend Charlton died on Saturday at the age of 86. Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest ever footballers, he helped the Three Lions win the World Cup in 1966, while winning seven major honors with United – including their first European Cup. – after surviving the Munich plane crash.
United returned to Premier League action later on Saturday night just hours after Charlton’s death was announced. They beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane thanks to a stunning late strike from Diogo Dalot to seal back-to-back victories for just the second time this season.
Before Ten Hag’s press conference on Monday ahead of the Champions League visit to Kobenhavn, there was a moment of silence in Charlton’s honour.
“As you say, Bobby as a legend, a giant, not just for Manchester United but for football, his legacy, what he left behind, were high standards that we have to live up to here every day. Our thoughts are with his family, wife and children,” Ten Hag opened with.
“We are professionals, it’s our job, but we have to use those emotions in the right way. I saw a goal from Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley and from distance and Diogo was [like that against Sheffield United].”
Charlton immortalized in statue outside Old Trafford / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
When asked if he would like to win this first game at Old Trafford after Charlton’s death to honor the midfielder, Ten Hag replied: “Of course. First of all we want to win as a tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, we always want to do that. in a way and that’s what we’re aiming for.
“He’s in front of Old Trafford, with Denis Law and George Best. He is always with us and they are always a great inspiration for us, every day and every game.
“It’s always special every night at Old Trafford, the fans are always so behind us, it’s a strong connection. The last home game against Brentford, when the game was against us, they stood behind us. The fans stick with us in difficult moments, we fight, so certainly tomorrow after the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, their hero, legend and giant, I’m sure it will be a very emotional night.”
Dalot joined Ten Hag at Monday’s press conference and he also paid tribute to Charlton after his manager compared their goals.
“First of all, it’s a great privilege when you look at Sir Bobby’s goals and it’s linked to your own. I was lucky enough to meet him. He was always there after the game and he represented the position of the club, which is something we we have to look back and see, if such legends won the best titles, we have to follow these steps,” said the defender.
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