Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after the 86-year-old died on Saturday morning.
The Red Devils icon, who won three First Division titles as well as the European Cup during his time at Old Trafford, passed away after a battle with dementia.
United confirmed the news on their accounts on Saturday and players will be wearing black armbands in honour of their former midfielder when they lock horns with Sheffield United on Saturday night.
Now, speaking ahead of that fixture, Ten Hag has paid tribute to Charlton.
Sir Bobby Charlton died at the age of 86 on Saturday
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"Our thoughts are of course with the family. With, of course, his wife," he told club media.
"Our thoughts are there, not only for them but the whole football world, not only them but the whole world is losing a big personality, a legend, a giant.
"He was it on the pitch and also, definitely, off the pitch."
United have decided to start Scott McTominay for the match in Sheffield.
And the Scotland international has hailed Charlton for the impact he's had on the world of football.
The midfielder said: “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 [Sir Bobby Charlton] 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.
David Beckham took to social media to say: "It all began with Sir Bobby.
"Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United.
"I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966.
"A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented.
"Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma, there (sic) daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby.
"@Manchesterunited @England today our hearts are heavy."
And Gary Neville stated: "The greatest Man Utd representative and has been for 50 to 60 years.
"One of the original Busby Babes.
"He won youth cups at Man Utd then won the European Cup, the World Cup and in the modern era he was a director of the club.
"He used to come into the changing room - win, lose or draw. He is an icon.
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Man Utd are in mourning after the death of Sir Bobby Charlton
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"A great loss today. No doubt [he was] English football’s greatest player and ambassador.
"A champion on and off the pitch."
