Manchester United will pay tribute to the life of Sir Bobby Charlton before their home matches against FC Copenhagen and Manchester City this week.
A minute’s silence will be held prior to kick-off at Old Trafford, where Charlton had a stand named in his honour in 2016, on Tuesday and Sunday, while talks are ongoing about additional ways to commemorate his life. This follows the pre-match tributes paid to the former player before Manchester United’s win over Sheffield United on Saturday, shortly after it had been announced that Charlton had died, aged 86.
A minute’s silence was held prior to Manchester United’s Women’s Super League match away to Everton, where both sets of players wore black armbands. United men’s next league game will be the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, and Pep Guardiola promises City “will be present to make a tribute” in honour of Charlton.
Fans gathered outside Old Trafford over the weekend, laying flowers, scarves and shirts at the foot of the statue dedicated to Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. The club opened a book of condolence for fans, allowing them to leave messages of remembrance in person and online.
Charlton played 758 games for United and scored 249 goals during 17 years at Old Trafford. He won a European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. He held the records for most club appearances and goals until being surpassed by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, respectively. He was also a key member of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966.
Charlton was diagnosed with dementia, which was made public in November 2020. A statement on behalf of Charlton’s family read: “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.”
