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Manchester United boss Eric ten Hag has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton following the death of 86-year-old Sir Bobby Charlton on Saturday morning.
The Red Devils icon, who won three First Division titles as well as the European Cup during his time at Old Trafford, has died after a battle with dementia.
United confirmed the news on their account on Saturday and the players will wear black armbands in honor of their former midfielder when they take on Sheffield United on Saturday night.
Now, speaking ahead of that match, Ten Hag has paid tribute to Charlton.
Sir Bobby Charlton died on Saturday aged 86
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“Our thoughts are of course with the family. Of course, with his wife,” he told club media.
“Our hearts go out, not only to him but to the entire football world, not only to him but the whole world is losing a great personality, a legend, a legend.
“He was there on the pitch and, of course, off the pitch as well.”
United have decided to start Scott McTominay for the match in Sheffield.
And the Scotland international has praised Charlton for his impact on the world of football.
The midfielder said: “He was an icon at the football club and throughout the world.
“Everyone knew him as a legend of the game and, more importantly, as an incredible person.
“He has done a lot for the club over the last few years and everyone is going into this game thinking of him tonight.
“He [Sir Bobby Charlton] Paved the way for people like me, Marcus [Rashford] and jessie [Lingard] Who came through the academy.
“So for us especially, it is hard to realize what he has done for this football club.
David Beckham said on social media: “It all started with Sir Bobby.
“It was Sir Bobby who gave me the opportunity to play for Manchester United.
“I will always be grateful to the man I was named after, who I looked up to and who was a hero not only to Manchester and our country, where he won the World Cup in 1966, but to many people around the world .
“A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United and England, it is a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented.
“Our thoughts are with Lady Norma, her daughters and grandchildren and may he rest in peace Sir Bobby.
“@ManchesterUnited @England Our hearts are heavy today.”
And Gary Neville said: “The greatest Man Utd representative and has been for 50 to 60 years.
“One of the original Busby Babes.
“He won youth cups at Man Utd, then won the European Cup, the World Cup and in the modern era he was a director of the club.
“He used to come into the changing room – win, lose or draw. He is an icon.
latest developments:
Man Utd are in mourning after the death of Sir Bobby Charlton
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“A big loss today. No doubt [he was] English football’s greatest player and ambassador.
“A champion on and off the pitch.”
