Manchester United are preparing for their return to Premier League football this evening when they face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The build-up to the game has, however, been on the heartbreaking passing of United great Sir Bobby Charlton, who was sadly taken away from us earlier on Saturday.
Tributes have been flooding in this afternoon as football mourns the loss of one of the game’s greatest icons. Charlton came up through the club’s academy and was one of the survivors of the tragic Munich Air Disaster.
The former Reds talisman won the World Cup, the European Cup and ended his career as England and Manchester United’s greatest goalscorer.
Scott McTominay, another graduate from the club’s famous academy, has paid tribute to Charlton in his pre-match interview tonight.
“It’s devastating to be honest with you,” McTominay told Sky Sports, via the official Manchester United website.
“He was an icon at the football club and all over the world. Everyone knew him from being a legend of the game and, more importantly, such an incredible guy as well.
“He’s done so much for the club over the years and everyone is going into this game tonight thinking of him.
“He paved the way for people like myself, Marcus [Rashford] and Jesse [Lingard] who came through the Academy. So for us especially, feeling what he’s done at this football club, it’s difficult. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at this time.
“It’s difficult but the game is going ahead and we have to do it for Sir Bobby. He was an icon and a legend all around the world in football terms. My mum is obviously devastated and everyone who has grown up watching him over the years has just got to thank him really for everything he’s done for the game.”
It’s a touching tribute from a player that will know all about the impact Charlton has had on the club and he will be hoping to make him proud later this evening.
United players will wear a black armband to honour one of the club’s leading figures and hopefully, United make the trip back to Old Trafford with all three points.
