Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, says he wanted to pay respects to the “magnificent” Sir Bobby Charlton with a win at Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Reds took to the field at Bramall Lane just hours after it was announced that United legend Sir Bobby had sadly passed away.
While the news rocked the club and those associated with the Reds, Ten Hag said he and his players had a responsibility to honour the icon and win against Sheffield United.
After the match, which was sealed by strikes from Academy graduate Scott McTominay and right-back Diogo Dalot, Ten Hag spoke to various media outlets.
“We have to pay contribution. We have to pay, how I say, our big goodbye and remembering Bobby Charlton. What he did was magnificent. We said before the game about how he was not only outstanding on the pitch but also off the pitch. So [we wanted] to credit it and reward his big personality. We did it with a win to celebrate that but also especially to remember Bobby Charlton. I think we did it in a decent way.”
“I heard [that] some players, they got inspiration from it. They wanted to win to mark it. It was an extra motivation, absolutely.”
“We are very sad and our thoughts are with his family. Especially with Lady Norma, with his children, his grandchildren. With his passing, a legend, a giant, is passing away. His achievements are so immense and huge. Global. You see the facts that he achieved, it is incredible. His titles, trophies, his contributions. I had never had the honour to meet him, but I heard that despite all his trophies and games, he was so humble and a big personality. He was an example for all of us as a footballer and also society, globally.”
“The first half was not our game. We made it their game. Opportune, direct. We made it too direct instead of keeping the ball, passing it round. Keeping them working. We were also very direct and then we lost control of the game. They shouldn’t score, especially in such moments and that has to give confidence and take the ball and let the opponent run. We made some corrections at half-time and I think after half-time it was more the side we want to see.”
“I have to say to Harry [Maguire] – Jonny [Evans] as well – but Harry, he is playing like we want him to play. Very proactive. Out of possession, dominating his opponent. Stepping in when necessary. Reading the game. But also in possession very proactive stepping in, delivering good passing. Vertical passing. Good switches. I am happy with his performance.”