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Piper signals poignant occasion at Old Trafford

There were poignant scenes ahead of Manchester United's UEFA Champions League tie against FC Copenhagen, as the club remembered one of its favourite sons in Sir Bobby Charlton.

The legendary Busby Babe sadly passed away on Saturday, leaving everybody associated with the Reds in mourning of a giant figure within the world game.

Piper Terry Carr played 'The Red Flag' in tribute to the great man as Old Trafford paid its respects to the ex-England international, who made 758 appearances for United, between 1956 and 1973 and, of course, survived the terrible Munich Air Disaster. 

Behind Carr, manager Erik ten Hag, Sir Bobby's former team-mate Alex Stepney and Under-21s captain Dan Gore helped lay a wreath in the centre-circle before a minute's silence was held. The visiting fans had earlier joined the home support in chanting their appreciation for Charlton.

Old Trafford falls silent for Sir Bobbyvideo

Carr filled the same role when both Manchester clubs marked the 50th anniversary of Munich in 2008, before the derby at Old Trafford, and Sir Matt Busby's memorial in 1994, against Everton.

Born in Langley, he is a born-and-bred Red who will have been honoured to have performed on this stage again as the ground fell silent to take the time to think about Sir Bobby, his life and his incredible impact for both club and country.

Lady Norma told us of her husband's great love for Scotland and the Highland piper provided the perfect backdrop to a spine-tingling occasion that will live long in the memory of all of those present on the night.

The World Cup winner and driving force behind our first European Cup success in 1968, when he scored twice in the 4-1 win over Benfica at Wembley, called Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams and it will always feel like his home.

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