Manchester United and Sheffield United players unite in heartfelt tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Bramall Lane after the icon’s demise

Before their Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Manchester United and Sheffield United observed a minute of silence in honor of England great Sir Bobby Charlton.

Chirag

October 21, 2023

Manchester United And Sheffield United Players Pay Tribute To Sir Bobby Charlton — Image @Reuters

The legendary figure from Manchester United, Sir Bobby Charlton, peacefully passed away at the age of 86 on a Saturday afternoon following his battle with dementia.

In less than four hours after the news of his passing emerged, both his former club, Manchester United, and Sheffield United took to the field for the evening kickoff, paying a heartfelt tribute to Sir Bobby’s extraordinary legacy.

They commenced the match with a moment of silence, a gesture that was observed with great respect by everyone at Bramall Lane. Emotional away fans also joined in to pay tribute to one of their own.

Supporters of the Manchester giants were heard chanting Sir Bobby Charlton’s name before the kickoff, a poignant expression of their admiration.

Manchester United released a statement on their website, mourning the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, recognizing him as one of the greatest and most cherished players in the club’s history.

The statement highlighted Sir Bobby’s universal hero status, his sportsmanship, integrity, and remarkable footballing qualities, ensuring he will forever be remembered as a true giant of the game.

Sheffield United also shared a similar statement on their social media platforms.

Sir Bobby Charlton was a key player in England’s 1966 World Cup victory and earned the Ballon d’Or later that year. He notched up an impressive 249 goals in 758 appearances for Manchester United, contributing to their first-ever European Cup win in 1968.

Despite his midfield role, Sir Bobby also managed to score 49 goals in 106 appearances for the English national team. He spent the majority of his playing career at Manchester United, celebrated for his exceptional passing and long-range shooting abilities.

Notably, Sir Bobby survived the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his teammates. His wife, Lady Norma, revealed his battle with dementia in November 2020 in an effort to raise awareness and support research into the connection between football and dementia.

In a statement from the Charlton family, it was shared that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning, surrounded by his loved ones. The family expressed their gratitude for the care and support he received and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Tributes poured in from prominent figures like former England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker, Gary Neville, and Eric Cantona. With Sir Geoff Hurst being the last surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, the loss carries significant weight.

Manchester United star Scott McTominay, visibly emotional, spoke with Sky Sports about the profound impact of Sir Bobby’s legacy.

He emphasized the devastating loss and Sir Bobby’s status as an icon both at the club and globally, underscoring his incredible character.

McTominay also acknowledged the role Sir Bobby played in paving the way for young talents in the Manchester United Academy and expressed the collective dedication to playing the game in Sir Bobby’s honor.