Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players to “win for Sir Bobby” when they take on FC Copenhagen on what is sure to be an emotional night at Old Trafford tomorrow.
United host the Danes in the Champions League with the death of club legend Sir Bobby Charlton on Saturday still raw.
Charlton was arguably England’s greatest ever player and his passing at the age of 86 has prompted a wave of tributes from across the world while his statue outside the ground has been adorned with scarves and other memorabilia.
“Bobby was a legend, a giant, not only for Manchester United but also for football,” said Ten Hag.
“His legacy was the high standards we have to live every day, what he meant for Manchester United, the importance for Manchester United. The standards he set, over the last couple of days, have been emphasised.”
A man that truly embodied the values of Manchester United.
Thank you for everything, Sir Bobby — you'll never be forgotten 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/ley2YMLTpJ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 21, 2023
Having lost their opening two games in the Champions League, to Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, Ten Hag knows his side have little room for manoeuvre if they wish to advance from Group A.
He added: “We are professionals, we must use these emotions in the right way. It’s always a special night at Old Trafford, the fans are always behind us, it’s a strong connection. In the last home game with Brentford, when the game was going against us, they stayed behind us.
“We fight together so definitely tomorrow, after the passing of Sir Bobby, their hero, legend and giant, I am sure it will be a very emotional evening.
“He is in front of Old Trafford with Denis Law and George Best. He is always with us and they are always a huge inspiration for us, every day and in every game.
“We want to win for Sir Bobby as a tribute to him, that’s what we are aiming for.
“If you lose the first two games [in the Champions League] you have to win.
Ten Hag, whose side won 2-1 at Sheffield United on Saturday night, will have on-loan left-back Sergio Reguilon back after an injury-enforced absence.
