7:08PM
Paul Scholes on his memories of Charlton
He was a picture of class and embodied what this club should be about. He was always consoling us after defeats, putting an arm around us, and congratulating us after wins saying nice things.
7:06PM
Rio Ferdinand on Charlton
World Cup winner, European Cup winner, Ballon d’Or winner, but he had such an easy way about him. I had so many special moments with him and he was such a calming voice.
You’re one of three people to lift this trophy [what Charlton said to him after the 2008 European Cup final]. He really settled me down and let know what this means to the club and the supporters.
Sir Bobby Charlton after Man Utd won the 2008 Champions League Credit: Getty Images/John Peters
6:59PM
Man Utd team news: Varane and Reguilon come int
Starting XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Subs: __ Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Lindelof, Eriksen, Hannibal, Mount, Pellistri, Garnacho, Martial
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan
6:54PM
Ten Hag’s programme notes
Whoever we face, wherever we play, Manchester United go into each game expecting to win because of the club’s history which was built by great people before us. Tonight is a perfect occasion to celebrate Sir Bobby Charlton.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan
6:32PM
A black scarf has been wrapped around the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue
Credit: AP/Dave Thompson
6:28PM
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in attendance to honour Charlton
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Sellers
6:25PM
Fans getting there early to pay their respects
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole
And Liverpool, either the club or supporters, have left their tribute:
Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill
6:20PM
Old Trafford remembers Sir Bobby Charlton
Old Trafford will unite this evening to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Manchester United’s first home match since the death of their legendary former player and ambassador was announced on Saturday.
Fans left flowers at the foot of the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue outside the stadium over the weekend, which depicts Charlton alongside team-mates George Best and Denis Law. Supporters and former players have also been welcomed to sign a book of condolence at Old Trafford, where a stand is named after Charlton.
There will be a minute’s silence before tonight’s Champions League match against Copenhagen in addition to other pre-match tributes. Charlton’s Manchester United legacy was forged in the European Cup, both in tragedy and triumph. Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which eight of his team-mates and 15 other passengers perished on the way back from a quarter-final tie against Red Star Belgrade. A decade later, after Sir Matt Busby had rebuilt his team in the most dire of circumstances, Charlton scored twice against Benfica at Wembley to win United’s first European Cup, with the club going on to win the competition again in 1999 and 2008 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manager Erik ten Hag has called on his players to be inspired by Charlton’s achievements and to deliver the perfect tribute with a victory.
“He is in front of Old Trafford,” Ten Hag said. “With Denis Law and George Best. He is always with us. They are always a huge inspiration for us, every day, and in every game.”
The Dutchman added: “I remember the last game, the home game against Brentford, even when the game is not going in our direction they stayed behind us in difficult moments and moments of adversity around Manchester United the fans are still with us and we are with the fans, we are fighting together.
“Definitely tomorrow after the passing away of Sir Bobby Charlton, their hero, their legend, their giant, I’m sure there will be an even more emotional evening tomorrow.”
After losing their first two Champions League group matches to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, this is a must-win game for United. Full team news on the way shortly.
