Why Erik ten Hag did not attend Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral

Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance (Credits: REUTERS)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was unable to attend Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral on Monday due to an ‘unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment’ in the Netherlands.

Charlton’s life was being remembered at Manchester cathedral today following his death last month.

The 86-year-old passed away following a fall at a nursing home, where he was receiving care for dementia.

Charlton is widely recognised as the finest footballer to ever play for England, and was once the country’s highest scorer as well as Manchester United’s top scorer.

Ten Hag never managed to meet Charlton as he was in bad health by the time of the Dutchman’s appointment in 2022.

But the Dutchman has spoken glowingly of Charlton’s impact on United, and had been expected to attend his funeral.

Paddy Crerand [centre] and Andy Cole [right](Credits: AP)

England manager Gareth Soutgate(Credits: REUTERS)

Former United chief executive David Gill (Credits: REUTERS)

Peter Schmeichel (Credits: REUTERS)

However, United confirmed that Ten Hag was unable to get out of an ‘unbreakable’ personal commitment, adding that it was a ‘regret’.

Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Richard Arnold and Ed Woodward were in attendance, as well as officials from every single Premier League club.

Former United captain Ashley Young(Credits: REUTERS)

Paul Scholes(Credits: AP)

Ex-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Credits: REUTERS)

Mark Hughes, former manager of Manchester City and player of Manchester United(Credits: REUTERS)

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton attended from the men’s squad, while club captain Bruno Fernandes is on international duty.

Over 1000 attendees are expected to remember the life of Charlton.


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